Antonio Conte has admitted that "it is not simple" playing without N'Golo Kante, as Chelsea prepare for their Premier League meeting against Bournemouth minus their key midfield man.
The 2016-17 PFA Player of the Year is to miss a fifth game on the bounce when the Blues travel to the Vitality Stadium due to a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with France earlier this month.
Chelsea boss Conte hopes to have Kante back in time for the Champions League tie with Roma in midweek, however, which he believes will provide his under-strength side with a big boost.
"For sure, it is not simple to play without N'Golo because he is an important player for us," he told reporters. "Now I think that the team is used to playing without him, but I hope to see him back very soon with us.
"There are players with the same characteristics, but N'Golo is a really good player. He is becoming a top player for his characteristics, but in the world there are many players with the same characteristics.
"[Danny] Drinkwater is almost ready too and Kante is at the stage almost to come back with us. The only problem now that we have to face is that we need more time with [Victor] Moses."
Conte also defended Chelsea's recent run of form heading into Saturday afternoon's clash with Bournemouth, with the champions aiming to make up points on Manchester City at the top.
Daniel Lewis
