Chelsea make N'Golo Kante fitness observation after Graham Potter makes World Cup decision

Chelsea are optimistic about N’Golo Kante’s chances of playing at the World Cup for France, but Graham Potter has sent the medical team a message over his treatment

The 31-year-old was forced off in August with a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge and has been sidelined ever since. 

Then Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel ruled him out for at least four weeks, admitting: “We are talking about four weeks plus. I told you at the end of last season he is our key player.

"He gives something to our team that no other player in the world can give to any other team. That makes him a key player. If your key player is out, it’s a situation you don’t like but have to deal with. It has huge influence.”

READ MORE: Graham Potter makes first Chelsea selection decision for Crystal Palace clash

Chelsea have had to deal with Kante’s absence with their midfield depth, and now the task of keeping the Frenchman fit is down to Graham Potter, who was named as Tuchel’s successor in September. 

The Chelsea boss was handed a huge boost this week ahead of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after Kante returned to part training at their Cobham training base. 

He is unlikely to be fit for the London derby at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, but it will be a welcome return for Potter who will now look to have the midfield engine back in side as quickly as possible. 

Whether that will come before the World Cup remains unclear, but as reported by Andy Dillon of The Sun, Chelsea are ‘optimistic’ that Kante will be fit for the World Cup and to be selected by France boss Didier Deschamps.

Potter has made his decision about Kante’s return from injury and wants him ‘carefully managed’ in order to reduce the risk of another issue ahead of the World Cup. 

Chelsea have already faced several fitness problems this season, but could have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to full fitness following the conclusion of the international break. 

READ MORE: In full - Chelsea’s 13-game fixture list until World Cup break revealed 

He suffered a broken jaw in a home robbery in Barcelona prior to his summer transfer and was required to wear a mask to aid the recovery. 

Following their 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg, the final game before the international break, he offered a fitness update where he confirmed he wasn’t yet 100 per cent fit. 

"I need more time,” the 33-year-old said. “I’m not 100 per cent fit. It’s not easy to play with a mask and with an injury, but hopefully I will get 100 per cent as soon as possible," he finalised.

Now he has had two more weeks to recover further and build his fitness, Aubameyang will be hoping he can claim a starting spot in the attack against Crystal Palace.