Head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that N'Golo Kante can only remain a key player for Chelsea if he is able to deliver more minutes on the pitch.
The France international has found himself in and out of the squad this season due to injury and performed below his best against Leicester City on Thursday evening, resulting in his second-half withdrawal during the 1-1 draw.
Although the 31-year-old has still managed to start 26 Premier League and Champions League fixtures this season, Tuchel has suggested that he requires a bigger contribution from a player whose presence proved pivotal during Chelsea's European success during 2020-21.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "I think he is our key, key player but key, key players have to be on the pitch and he only plays 40% of games. He is our Mo Salah, [Virgil] van Dijk. He is our Kylian Mbappe.
"Last year, I think in the last five matches of the Champions League they handed him the trophy. I think they handed it to him even before the match. This is huge for us to solve it. I don't play him but it's a fact we miss him a lot and he brings something unique in world football. He can lift everybody up and make the difference.
"He can make the difference but he can only make the difference on the pitch and at the top level, this is our target for him. He is one of the very best midfielders in the world."
Kante currently has just over a year remaining on his contract, meaning that question marks remain over his long-term future ahead of the summer transfer window.
Darren Plant
