Graham Potter has confirmed N'Golo Kante has a "chance" of being named in the Chelsea squad to face Everton on Saturday evening.
Kante has been sidelined for over seven months with a hamstring injury he suffered against Tottenham on August 14. Potter was appointed Blues head coach on September 8, so he hasn't even had the chance to field the France international yet, but that could change at the weekend.
"[He has a] chance of being in the squad," Potter told reporters on Friday afternoon. "It's the first time [since he's took over] so it's fantastic."
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Potter added on Kante: "Managers before me have spoken very highly of N'Golo because he's a top, top player. He's been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful. We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed."
That is undoubtedly great news for Chelsea as they look to make it four wins on the bounce when Everton come to Stamford Bridge. However, Potter also confirmed his side will be missing four players for the match, with Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta still sidelined.
"Raheem's problem with hamstring isn't too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip [with England], same with Mason," Potter said. "He's been struggling with his pubic bone so he'll miss the England camp as well. Thiago is still away, Azpi is still away."
Chelsea could go within eight points of the top-four, if results go their way this weekend, with a win against Everton. Potter, though, is refusing to get drawn into talk about his side producing what would be a remarkable turnaround to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"Where we are now is to focus on Everton, three points up for grabs," the Chelsea head coach said. "Tough team, gone in the right direction with Sean [Dyche]. We will focus on tomorrow, not May or June."
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