Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed the club’s plan for N’Golo Kante’s path to recovery throughout the international break.
Kante, 31, returned to the Blues' matchday squad for the first time since August in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton. The midfielder had been sidelined after suffering an injury against Tottenham in the second game of the season before a setback in his recovery.
Having returned to training in recent weeks, Kante was named on the substitute's bench at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but did not feature. He will now remain at Cobham throughout the international break ahead of a possible return to action against Aston Villa.
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After the draw with Everton on Saturday, Potter revealed the plan of action regarding the Frenchman's recovery in the upcoming break. "N'Golo's due to carry on training Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with potentially a game to give him some minutes," Potter explained.
Asked whether a potential fixture would be versus an internal or external opposition, the Chelsea boss said: "We're still planning it but I think it will probably be internal. That will be good.
"We need to control it as much as we can and then I think we've got about four players [not on international duty], so it is what it is. We have to hope players come back injury free and that we use the break to refresh and prepare for a really hectic April."
The Blues have - at least - 13 games left of their season, with their primary focus falling in the Champions League. Chelsea must overcome Real Madrid and then one of Manchester City or Bayern Munich to reach the Istanbul final in June.
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