Chelsea players turn up to support N'Golo Kante on his return after 7 months out injured

Chelsea players Mason Mount and Thiago Silva showed their support for teammate N'Golo Kante on his return to competitive action.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who hasn't featured for the Blues since mid-August after picking up a hamstring injury against Spurs, has been training with the first-team squad for several weeks as he continues to build up fitness.

And before Graham Potter's side return from the current international break early next week, Kante played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday afternoon.

🚨 N'Golo Kanté in the rain at Cobham today vs. Charlton.

Great to see you back! 👌💙#CFC pic.twitter.com/385suVnPit

— Chelsea Dodgers 🧢 (@TheBlueDodger) March 24, 2023

Kante looked sharp on his outing for the club's development squad against Charlton, as goals from Dion Rankine, Silko Thomas and Malik Mothersille sealed a 3-0 win for the home side.

After being out for seven months, the France international was also supported by Thiago Silva and Mason Mount, who wore a Chelsea shirt with Kante's name and number on the front.

One fan commented on the gesture, saying: "Love the fact Mason Mount and Thiago Silva were giving support to N'Golo Kante today in the arranged friendly for him."

Another said: "Mason Mount and Thiago Silva supporting him in the stands. Class."

Chelsea manager Graham Potter was full of praise for Kante as he talked up his possible return for their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 12.

“Managers before me have spoken very highly about N’Golo because he is a top, top player," he said.

"He has been a huge miss to us, that’s not to say other players haven’t given absolutely everything, they have. But N’Golo Kante is a top player."

Mason Mount (and Thiago Silva) at Cobham today watching N'Golo Kanté play in his first game since August.

You'll never convince me this guy doesn't care about our club. pic.twitter.com/Ubi7pgwjny

— Tom Levins (@TomLevins1) March 24, 2023

🤝 Mason Mount showing his support for N'Golo Kante on his Chelsea return...#CFC #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/a9IhS48F0q

— We've Won It All (@cfcwonitall) March 24, 2023

Potter added: “It’s great for us that he’s back, we need to be mindful of the fact that he’s had a long injury, we need to make the next steps to get him up to speed in the Premier League, which is what we will do. But it’s great to have him with us.”

Earlier this month, Kante made a promise to his teammates about a potential goal celebration on his return to action.

"If I score first game, I’ll knee slide," the Frenchman said in footage from the club's training ground. "I want to see it so bad," replied Christian Pulisic.

N’Golo Kante agreeing to knee slide if he scores in his first game back 🤣pic.twitter.com/cPZZQ4JC3c

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) March 18, 2023

Thoughts on his return to action? All we know is, Chelsea fans should be excited about the prospect of Enzo Fernandez and N'Golo Kante as a midfield duo.