Graham Potter has received a major boost in the middle of the park as N’Golo Kante returns from the sidelines after a hamstring injury.
Kante picked up an excruciating hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
The France international spent months on the sidelines after the injury in August and nearly missed the entirety of the Premier League season.
He has been sidelined for seven months missing both Premier League and Champions League action for the Blues.
Now, it has been confirmed N’Golo Kante has returned to full action for the Blues.
Due to his injury, he was yet to make his debut under new Chelsea manager Graham Potter but is now closing in on competitive action after it was disclosed he was given some minutes in a closed-door action for Chelsea youth team on Friday.
With most Chelsea players off for international action with their respective national teams, N’Golo Kante played 60 minutes against Charlton in a closed-door game.
Before returning to action, N’Golo improved immensely in his recuperation. He was spotted training with Chelsea first team for weeks but Graham Potter had wanted him to recover fully before starting a competitive action for the club.
The France international made the bench in Chelsea’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton before the international break, signaling his imminent return.
He came out unscathed after an hour of action for the Blues in the close door friendly on March 24.
Mason Mount elated on N’Golo Kante’s return
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was on the bench at the close-door game against Charlton and was elated on the return of N’Golo Kante, his teammate and pal.
Mason Mount took to his social media to share a slide of him during the game, brandishing Chelsea T-shirt with Kante boldly written on it.
He wrote, “He’s back” and tagged Kante before adding a green love emoji.
Mason Mount made the bench in the close-door game against Charlton because he pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers alongside Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
Since February 26, Mason Mount has not played for Chelsea. He suffered a groin injury and had to pull out of the Southgate’s squad to aid his speedy recovery.
The return of N’Golo Kante will be a big boost for Graham Potter after missing Mount for a number of games before the international break.
Both Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante are facing a contract imbroglio at Chelsea. Chelsea has put up contract renewal proposals for the two players but negotiations have stalled.
Mason Mount want increased wage while N’Golo Kante wants a long-term contract.
