Chelsea come into this weekend's Premier League clash against Everton with a major boost in the possible return of N'Golo Kante. The midfielder has been sidelined for over seven months after sustaining a hamstring injury on August 14.
Kante has not featured under Graham Potter but that could change at the weekend. The France international has been a regular in training throughout the previous few weeks and may finally make a return to the Blues side against the Toffees.
"[He has a] chance of being in the squad," Potter told the media on Friday. "It's the first time [since he's took over] so it's fantastic."
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Kante's return will undoubtedly be a huge boost for Chelsea in their hopes of continuing the good form produced in the past two weeks. The west Londoners have their three previous games after a torrid run of form beforehand, easing the pressure on Potter's shoulders.
"Managers before me have spoken very highly of N'Golo because he's a top, top player," Potter added. “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."
Despite the good news regarding Kante, Potter did provide a brief update on Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount - who both missed out on a call-up to the England squad.
"Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It's not too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip," Potter added. "It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well."
Potter also confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta would also miss the clash with Sean Dyche's Toffees. The experienced defender joins Thiago Silva and Armando Broja as the long-term absentees at Cobham.
However, there remains hope that Reece James will return to the squad after missing last week's win at Leicester due to illness. The right-back has been pictured in training this week and was named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad - hinting at a possible inclusion on Saturday.
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