Kante to miss Leeds game but could train next week

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Chelsea will again be without N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Trevoh Chalobah against Leeds.

But Jorginho has trained this week and boss Thomas Tuchel says the Italy midfielder is ready to “play through pain” on Saturday.

And Kante, out since last month, could return to training on Tuesday.


Ben Chilwell remains sidelined with what could turn out to be a long-term knee injury.

Tuchel explained: “Trevoh Chalobah is still out. Mateo Kovacic obviously out. N’Golo Kante out for tomorrow and Ben Chilwell.

“I think Jorginho will do what he did before and play through pain and do what’s needed to be on the pitch.”

Kante’s absence has been a particularly big blow for Chelsea, who have been well short of their best in recent matches.

But Jorgnho’s return at least bolsters their options – and means Reece James will return to his natural position after filling in in midfield against Zenit in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“We are always worried when we have to play without N’Golo, because he is exceptional,” Tuchel said.

“We hope that he comes back on Tuesday to team training.

“Reecey will start as a wing-back. He helped us out.”

Tuchel also confirmed that keeper Edouard Mendy will return to the side despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s excellent performance against Zenit.