Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante set to return after injury layoff

6 days ago

Graham Potter may include N’Golo Kante in the Chelsea team after his return from a hamstring injury, which has kept him out for nearly seven months.

Chelsea have won their last three games, which has boosted morale within the team, as they head into the international break at the end of March.

On Saturday evening, they will face Everton at Stamford Bridge, and if they manage to secure a fourth consecutive victory, it will be the perfect end to a great month for the Chelsea team.

In recent weeks, the numbers in the medical room have reduced, and the goals and points have started to come for Potter and Chelsea, easing the mounting pressure on the squad following a dismal run of form.

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Everton, led by Sean Dyche, are heading to the capital having remained undefeated in their last two matches (with one win and one draw). However, they are currently only one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Potter is fully aware of what awaits Chelsea: “You can see the effect he’s had on Everton. They play to their strengths, are incredibly motivated, and have clarity in all the phases. So we’re under no illusions, we know how difficult the game is.

“It’s a fantastic test for us at home in front of our supporters and off the back of three wins. We’ll have to play well.”

But for Saturday’s game, Potter is set to welcome back key figures into the side which will offer Chelsea a welcome boost as they eye another victory, this time back in front of their home supporters.

Spylax Media has the latest Chelsea team news to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Edouard Mendy

Mendy has resumed training this week, marking his first session since undergoing surgery on his fractured finger. He will likely aim to accelerate his recovery process during the international break and target a comeback sometime in April.

Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are currently sidelined with knee and head injuries respectively. Graham Potter is hoping to have Azpilicueta back in action after the international break, while Silva’s return is expected in mid-April.

Unfortunately, Armando Broja is out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.

Raheem Sterling is currently sidelined due to a minor hamstring issue. As a result, he will not be able to participate in the upcoming international break with England. Similarly, Mason Mount will also miss the international break, but there is hope that he will be available for the match against Aston Villa.

“Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It’s not too serious but he’ll miss the game at the weekend and he’ll miss the international trip. It’s the same for Mason. He has been struggling a little bit with his pubic bone. He wasn’t 100 percent in the last game and still isn’t quite there. So he’ll miss the England camp.”

“Yes, we’re hopeful (they’ll both be back after the international break),” added Potter. “It’s a niggly one with Mason. He’ll have days where he feels good and then days where he has a setback, so hopefully we can manage it through this period and it’ll be okay.”

N’Golo Kante, who underwent surgery for a hamstring injury, is expected to be included in the squad for Saturday’s game. This will be his first time in the squad since August of last year.

Graham Potter plans to gradually reintegrate N’Golo Kante into the team but acknowledges that his return is a significant boost for Chelsea. In anticipation of the upcoming game, Potter mentioned that previous managers have praised Kante’s abilities as a top-notch player. Although other players have stepped up and given their best, Kante’s absence has been noticeable, and his return will undoubtedly enhance the team’s performance.

“It’s great for us that he’s back, we need to be mindful of the fact that he’s had a long injury, we need to make the next steps to get him up to speed in the Premier League, which is what we will do. But it’s great to have him with us.”