N’Golo Kante has handed Chelsea a huge boost by returning to training.
The Frenchman has not played since August after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury but appears to be closing in on a first-team return, with his team in dire need of an uplift.
Manager Graham Potter, who has not been able to call on the World Cup winner, is under increasing pressure at Stamford Bridge after a run of just two wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
Still, Standard Sport understands the Blues board are prepared to stick with Potter for now. There is believed to be a sympathy the former Brighton boss has had to deal with an unprecedented injury list, of which Kante forms a part.
The midfielder, however, was pictured warming up alongside teammates at the club’s Cobham’s training base amid hopes the 31-year-old will be fit enough to return in March.
Kante’s long-term future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire this summer. Barcelona have held an interest in the former Leicester star, although the player himself is believed to be open to staying in west London.
