Antonio Conte hints at return date for N'Golo Kante but calls for patience

Kante has been out injured with a hamstring injury he picked up while on international duty with France

Conte says Kante is in "good physical condition." Getty

Antonio Conte has hinted that N’Golo Kante could return from injury in time for Chelsea’s Champions League tie against Roma next week but calls for calm amid fears of aggravating his injury.

Kante, who won the 2016-17 PFA Player of the Year award during Chelsea’s title winning season, has been out with a hamstring injury he picked up while playing for France at the start of the month.

“Kante is progressing well,” Conte revealed. “I’m very happy. I saw him in a good physical condition.”

Chelsea are nine points away from Manchester City in the Premier League (Getty)

Conte is wary of not rushing him back into the side and will have an eye on Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Manchester United on 5^th November.

"For sure in this moment, we have to keep calm and find the right moment to utilise him and put him in the team.

The French midfielder has only played in seven of Chelsea’s 14 games in all competitions, with the Blues already nine points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

"Now it will be very easy to tell him play because I’m seeing you very well. We must pay attention to find the best solution for him. He’s great."

Chelsea’s midfield may also be bolstered by the return of Danny Drinkwater. The former Leicester midfielder joined the London club for £35m in the summer and made his debut in Chelsea’s 2-1 League Cup win over Everton this week.

"We will have three games before the international break," said Conte who admitted he will have to wait longer to see Drinkwater fully fit. "To see him fit, 100 percent, maybe after the international break.

"Now I can count on him for a part of the game. If I decide to play with three midfielders - it’s very important."