Date: 27th September 2022 at 2:26pm
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Chelsea have been handed a huge boost ahead of the return of the Premier League this weekend, with N’Golo Kante back in full training following a spell out with injury. 

It was confirmed on the club’s official website that the midfielder was back in training, just days before they visit Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.

The French midfielder started The Blues’ opening two games this season – against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur – but hasn’t featured since and Chelsea’s form has dipped in his absence.

A defeat to Leeds United followed his injury, and Chelsea have since lost to Southampton and Dinamo Zagreb too.

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked since Kante last played for the club, with Graham Potter replacing him at the helm.

The German was unfortunate to have both Kante and Mateo Kovacic injured at the same time, while Conor Gallagher was also suspended.

Kante’s return will be welcomed by Potter, who witnessed his side being held to a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg during his first game in charge two weeks ago.

Kante has returned to training ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Palace on Saturday

Kante wasn’t included in the France squad for their recent Nations League fixtures, but he is expected to return ahead of the World Cup.

Ethan Ampadu was allowed to leave on loan over the summer, and Scottish international Billy Gilmour was sold to Brighton, which has left Chelsea relatively short of options in midfield.

Potter’s side face a hectic schedule over the next six weeks, with 13 games between now and November 12, when the Premier League takes a sabbatical to allow players to travel to the World Cup.

Kante arrived in London in the summer of 2016 shortly after winning the Premier League with Leicester, and he made it consecutive titles by winning the trophy the following year under Antonio Conte.

Since then, the France international has made more than 260 appearances for The Blues, registering 28 goals and assists.

He has won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as the World Cup in 2018 with Les Bleus.

Over the past two seasons the midfielder has struggled with injuries, though, causing him to miss more than 30 matches since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Kante’s contract is set to expire next summer and, while Chelsea are believed to be keen on extending his deal, it remains to be seen whether or not the player will agree to commit his future to the club.

 
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