They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that theory looks to being proven true by N’Golo Kante’s continued absence from the Chelsea starting lineup.
Kante has not played a minute in Chelsea blue since the Europa League final in Baku, with an injury he sustained at the end of the previous campaign still proving problematic for the World Cup winner.
Frank Lampard will no doubt have been eager to get him fit and available for the start of the new season, but rushing him back before his injury has fully healed would only prove counterproductive long-term.
While Lampard has successfully remained patient and Kante’s recovery has been aided as a result, the patience of Chelsea fans appears to be wearing thin. Considering how poor our defending has been throughout pre-season, can you blame them?
Some Chelsea fans on Twitter are now near begging for Kante’s return to fitness and the starting side, with the Europa League winners shipping two first-half goals to Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
How can people say thay Kante shouldn't start when we have big defensive problems? Doesn't make sense. Kante has to start, no question.
— Benjamin Bjørnstad 🇳🇴 (@SimplyTheBridge) August 3, 2019
Forget the Jorginho-Kovacic pivot rubbish, Kante still the best midfielder in this club. Can't wait for him to get back fully fit. #BMGCHE #CFC
— Wholesome Breed Agroallied Services (FARMER) (@psalmymcjay) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/18jc_/status/1157681168994701312
Terrible first half.
But I believe the answer is N'Golo Kanté.— Lady Chelsea (@LadyChelsea_) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/cfchol6/status/1157680456688689152
Can Kanté play CM and CB at the same time??
— Helgi Llozana 🏆🏆 (@HLlozana) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/CFCSneh/status/1157680409691316224
https://twitter.com/ChelseaYannick/status/1157680266300862465
