Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante could be facing a race to be fit for the start of the new Premier League season as he is still being troubled by injury problems.
The 28-year-old France international has been forced to return to Stamford Bridge to continue his rehabilitation, with Blues head coach Frank Lampard having hoped to see Kante in action during pre-season.
Kante is reported to be still being troubled by knee and hamstring issues and he has three weeks left to recover before Chelsea open their Premier League campaign at Manchester United on Sunday 11th August.
Meanwhile, Lampard has again spoken of his desire to keep French centre-back Kurt Zouma at the club for the upcoming campaign.
The 24-year-old impressed while on loan at Everton last season and is thought to be keen on making a permanent switch to Goodison Park.
However, Lampard is far from a fan of such a scenario, telling The Sun: "In terms of Kurt Zouma, he's a very good defender for us, very good player, very good person and professional.
"I want him here, simple as that. We are competitive with the centre-backs we have in the team and he had a very good season at Everton and I can understand why they want him.
"(But) he's a Chelsea player and I want him."
Zouma joined Chelsea from St Etienne in January 2014 and to date has made 71 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
Chelsea are 5/4 to finish in the top four in the Premier League next season, while they are 9/1 to lift the FA Cup and 10/1 to win the League Cup.
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Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante could be facing a race to be fit for the start of the new Premier League season as he is still being troubled by injury problems.
The 28-year-old France international has been forced to return to Stamford Bridge to continue his rehabilitation, with Blues head coach Frank Lampard having hoped to see Kante in action during pre-season.
Kante is reported to be still being troubled by knee and hamstring issues and he has three weeks left to recover before Chelsea open their Premier League campaign at Manchester United on Sunday 11th August.
Meanwhile, Lampard has again spoken of his desire to keep French centre-back Kurt Zouma at the club for the upcoming campaign.
The 24-year-old impressed while on loan at Everton last season and is thought to be keen on making a permanent switch to Goodison Park.
However, Lampard is far from a fan of such a scenario, telling The Sun: "In terms of Kurt Zouma, he's a very good defender for us, very good player, very good person and professional.
"I want him here, simple as that. We are competitive with the centre-backs we have in the team and he had a very good season at Everton and I can understand why they want him.
"(But) he's a Chelsea player and I want him."
Zouma joined Chelsea from St Etienne in January 2014 and to date has made 71 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
Chelsea are 5/4 to finish in the top four in the Premier League next season, while they are 9/1 to lift the FA Cup and 10/1 to win the League Cup.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com