N’Golo Kante is likely to miss Chelsea’s next game against Crystal Palace, according to Nizaar Kinsella of Goal.com.
The midfielder limped off late on against Watford with what is reported as a hamstring problem.
I make that four different injuries for N'Golo Kante this season. His second hamstring issue, after reported muscle, ankle and the bigger knee injury from the Europa League final. 19 games missed this season and likely to miss Palace. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 5, 2020
It’s a blow to Frank Lampard, who has seen the Frenchman playing well at the base of midfield. But the Chelsea boss chose to use his number 7 as a starter in all 5 games since the return of football, and is now paying the price.
Hopefully Palace can be dispatched without Kante’s presence, but Lampard will be aware that he doesn’t have great options to replace him directly this season. Jorginho has not played a minute yet and doesn’t have the speed to cover ground as Kante does.
Billy Gilmour is more physically capable, but has much less experience and looked shaky in his last start. If Lampard chooses the youngster as his Kante replacement, that will be a huge vote of confidence in his ability.