'Kante could return against Roma'

The midfield dynamo has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with France earlier this month and his last appearance for the 'Blues' came in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City on September 30.

Speaking ahead of the game against Bournemouth, Conte told the press that Kante could be ready to make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico in midweek.

'N'Golo is still not ready,' Conte replied when asked if Kante would be fit for the clash with 'The Cherries'. 'We have to wait but I hope to have him back for the Roma game.'

Kante's problem is the latest in a long line of injuries suffered by Chelsea in recent times, something Conte was keen to point out when defending the club's faltering title defence.

'In this moment we have to try to overcome this spirit because don't forget from the start of the season we had lot of problems,' said Conte.

'We had [Eden] Hazard's problem to start the season and then we have Pedro's problem and then we continue with Danny in first week of training with us. And then with N'Golo and also with Moses.

'Our start this season wasn't lucky for many reasons but I think we are doing well and we have the points that we deserve in the league and we are doing well in the Champions League.

'We also took the next step in Carabao Cup -  last season we were eliminated by West Ham in second round. But we have to continue to work'.