Kante in contention for Chelsea return

Embed from Getty Images

Antonio Conte has confirmed that N’Golo Kante is in contention to return in Chelsea’s Champions League game against Roma.

Kante trained with the squad before they left for Rome and Blues boss Conte will speak to him before deciding whether the midfielder will feature.

“I think it is very important to speak to the player,” Conte explained.

“I was a player and I know very well that after an injury, a bad injury, it is very important to listen to the player. For him and for the team we will try to make the best decision.”

Kante has missed the Blues’ last five matches since suffering a hamstring injury while playing for France against Bulgaria.

The results of an initial scan suggested the midfielder could be sidelined until after next month’s international break.

However, a follow-up scan showed most promising results and Conte has since been hopeful that Kante would be available for the games against Roma and Manchester United.

Danny Drinkwater is also available following his recent injury, but Victor Moses remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. 

A win in Italy on Tuesday would clinch Chelsea’s place in the knockout stage.

They then return to domestic action with a Premier League match against United on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.