Chelsea poised to remain in title hunt despite Kante absence

N'Golo Kante's rare penchant for ball recovery makes him an invaluable part of Chelsea's midfield, but a hamstring injury threatens not just to rule him out for three weeks - it may also hurt the Blues' bid to keep pace with the rest of the Premier League's high fliers.

A few losses in a row would see fourth-placed Chelsea slip out of the coveted Champions League spots, such is the fine margin atop the table. While losing Kante is a blow, Chelsea's lenient schedule and capable supporting cast should be enough for the club to survive in his absence.

The 26-year-old will likely miss the next five-to-six matches. Of those six tilts, only three are league fixtures - two of which come against last-placed Crystal Palace and 19th-placed Bournemouth. Neither side boasts midfielders that can dismantle Antonio Conte's team, though the Blues must also prepare for a reunion with Nemanja Matic when Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge on Nov. 5.

One match does not a season make, but a loss against Manchester United could seriously hurt Chelsea's title hopes. Still, it is not enough to categorically eliminate the team from contending a top-four finish. Kante might be rushed back for this crucial match, while Conte also considers his options for a pair of Champions League tilts with AS Roma this month.

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It is Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas who must step up most in Kante's absence. They will be the starting men in Conte's midfield, and offer enough quality to at least survive, if not match Roma's trio of Kevin Strootman, Radja Nainggolan, and Daniele De Rossi. Luckily, Alvaro Morata will also be back, though the former Juventus man has never scored against Roma.

Fabregas has slowly but assuredly figured his way back into Conte's starting lineup in recent months, and Bakayoko has also helped Blues supporters forget all about Matic, who it must be said would have also filled in well in Kante's wake. Still, Bakayoko's 89.47 percent tackle success rate (19 tackles, 17 won) is better than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season. That certainly helps assuage fears of total calamity.

Other options include Danny Drinkwater, who is nearing recovery from a calf injury, while David Luiz and Andreas Christensen can also slot into midfield. Conte can afford to experiment against Palace and Bournemouth, and in a League Cup tilt with Everton, perhaps provide youngsters like Kyle Scott and Ethan Ampadu a chance at first-team minutes.

A kind schedule, adequate covering talent and limited travel away from home means Chelsea is poised to survive this speed-bump, and while depth will be tested, there is no reason to hit the panic button just yet.