Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is expecting to be without N’Golo Kante for three weeks, whilst no timescale is being put on Christian Pulisic’s recovery from injury.

The Blues saw the World Cup-winning midfielder forced off early on throughout their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Kante lasted just 12 minutes in that contest before heading down the tunnel.

Lampard admits that the France international is set to remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.

United States international Pulisic is also nursing an adductor problem, with it yet to be decided when he will come returned into contention.

Chelsea are, however, capable to call upon Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the first time this season, as they piece together plans for a London derby date with Tottenham on Saturday, while Andreas Christensen is available after being outfitted for a face mask to shield his broken nose.

Leading goalscorer Tammy Abraham is additionally again in contention after being missing since the 2-2 draw with Leicester on February 1.

Lampard told reporters when presenting his latest fitness update: “N’Golo is not fit, muscle injury. Similar to Arsenal. Hopefully three weeks.

“Pulisic no longer fit, no genuine date. A challenging injury.

“Ruben is in the squad. Not healthy to start, however in the squad.

“Andreas went to get a mask and has trained with it. Available for selection.

“Tammy has trained the final two days. Probably 70%. He is in the squad.”

Injury issues have been a trouble for Chelsea throughout the 2019-20 campaign , with Lampard keen to point out that he has had to shuffle his pack on a everyday basis.

He added: “This season is a transitional year, and fans appreciate that.

“Not many teams have had our injuries. Kante has played 50% of the games. The fans appreciate that and they see what we attempt to do. They will be there to assist us.

“It is tight at the moment and we want the followers in the back of us. The players will provide everything.”

Little was once expected of Lampard when he returned to Stamford Bridge in a managerial capacity last summer, but he is aware of the want to deliver Champions League qualification.

Quizzed on whether or not he feels below pressure, the Blues legend said: “I always experience it, due to the fact this is top sport. I thrive on it.

“I have loved this week. It was once disappointing to lose on Monday [against United], but this is the assignment for us.

“Everyone probably wrote us off for top four.

It is a procedure and the pressure is continually there.”

Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table at present but are only one point clear of Spurs, two ahead of Sheffield United and three in front of Manchester United.