It won’t come as much of a surprise to those who have been following the story, but Chelsea look like they will be returning to action in the Premier League without N’Golo Kante.
ESPN today report that “sources” have told them that despite training individually, Kante will not be considered for selection for the Aston Villa game next weekend.
This is in part because he doesn’t feel safe playing yet – but also because he won’t be able to get close to match fitness working alone.
Kante has extremely valid health concerns due to a history of family illness, and the question really is when he will be able to return. The risk of coronavirus infection will grow smaller, but probably never disappear entirely.
In the short term, it leaves Frank Lampard with serious questions about his selection for that return game, with Jorginho carrying over what must be one of the longest suspensions in Premier League history.
