Kante still struggling with ankle injury

N’Golo Kante will remain sidelined for Chelsea’s home game against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Blues boss Frank Lampard confirmed at a news conference on Friday afternoon that Kante is still struggling with an ankle problem and will also be unable to join the France squad. 

Pedro is also out, while Antonio Rudiger will this evening make another appearance for Chelsea’s development side as part of his comeback from a knee injury.

“N’Golo Kante is not fit. It’s a continuation of his ankle problem,” Lampard said.

“He won’t travel with the French squad either. We’ll try to get him fit over the (international) break.

“Pedro is not fit. Hopefully he should be fit on the other side of the international break as well.

“Rudiger is going to play in the Under-23s tonight – hopefully for the final time in terms of getting his proper match fitness.

Mason Mount, who took a knock to his calf during Chelsea’s win at Norwich last weekend, has been passed fit.

“Mason’s OK. It was just a kick and he’ll be fine for Saturday,” Lampard confirmed.

Lampard also confirmed that Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kenedy could leave ahead of Monday’s European transfer deadline.