MX23RW : Friday, December 13 05:01:38| >> :120:36041:36041:

N'Golo Kante pushing to return in time for Chelsea's Champions League games?

Kante pushing to return for Chelsea's Champions League games?
© Reuters
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is reportedly pushing to return in time for Chelsea's Champions League last-16 games against Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante could be set to return from injury in time for the Champions League knockout rounds.

Having been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury, Kante has only made two appearances for the Blues this term.

Kante has been one of a number of key Chelsea players that have been affected by injuries this season, including first-choice full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

In Kante's absence, Chelsea have utilised the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria in midfield.

Graham Potter has also utilised Conor Gallagher in the engine room in recent weeks, but Kante's presence has been missed this season.

N'Golo Kante warms up for Chelsea in December 2021© Reuters

During his 262 appearances for Chelsea, Kante has chipped in with 13 goals and 15 assists, helping the club win multiple trophies, including the Premier League title and the Champions League.

Due to his lengthy spell in the treatment room, the Frenchman is yet to feature under Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel in September.

According to L'Equipe, Kante is pushing to return in time for Chelsea's Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund.

The report claims that the Frenchman is aiming to be back next month, with Chelsea set to face Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on February 15.

However, the second leg at Stamford Bridge, which takes place on March 4, may well be a realistic target for the 31-year-old.

N'Golo Kante warms up for Chelsea on November 23, 2021© Reuters

While Kante's return would be a boost to Chelsea, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Although talks are believed to be ongoing between the two parties over a deal, a new contract is yet to be agreed.

Uncertainty over Kante and Jorginho's future, with the latter also out of contract in June, has been a factor behind Chelsea's pursuit for a new midfielder.

The Blues have been linked with the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes and West Ham United's Declan Rice.

Chelsea currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, and with Potter's side not in action this weekend, they are currently preparing for next Friday's league meeting with Fulham.

ID:505221:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4685:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during draw with Nottingham Forest on January 1, 2023.
Read Next:
Chelsea 'receive triple injury boost ahead of Fulham clash'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!