Antonio Conte: 'Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante on track for early return'

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has revealed that N'Golo Kante could return to action before the next international break.

Kante suffered a hamstring injury while with France, and it was initially expected that the midfielder would face a race against time to feature against Manchester United on November 5.

However, Conte has said that a scan has shown the player's injury to be better than first feared, with the former Leicester City player potentially returning within the next two weeks.

The 48-year-old told reporters: "I hope to have Kante back before the international break, he is progressing well – the scan was better than before. N'Golo has started to work, not with the group, but to get himself fit.

"He could be an option [for Roma or Manchester United]. If Kante is available I will be very happy."

Chelsea may only have one fit midfielder - Cesc Fabregas - for Saturday's encounter with Watford.