Kante could return for Champions League game

Frank Lampard is hopeful N’Golo Kante will be fit for Chelsea’s Champions League game against Lille.

Kante has endured a difficult few months – his pre-season was affected by a knee injury he suffered towards and the end of last term and more recently he has been out with an ankle problem.

And a slight hamstring strain led Blues boss Lampard to leave the Frenchman out for Saturday’s win against Brighton.

But Kante could well return to action in Wednesday’s Group H match.

“I didn’t want to take the risk. I spoke to N’Golo about it,” Lampard explained.

“He’s so important for us, we know that. But he’s had a difficult pre-season.

“It’s been difficult for us but mainly for him to get going because of the break-up of his pre-season with his injury carried over from last year.

“So it wasn’t right to risk him today. He could have a chance for Lille.”

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