Kante could return for Chelsea ‘very soon’

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N’Golo Kante’s hamstring injury does not appear to be as serious as Chelsea first feared.

Chelsea arranged follow-up scan after an initial scan indicated that the French midfielder could be sidelined until after next month’s international break.

The results of that second scan were much more favourable – and boss Antonio Conte has suggested Kante could be available for the approaching games against Roma and Manchester United or even sooner.

“I hope to have him back very soon – before the international break,” Conte said.

“If N’Golo is available before Man United and the game against Roma I would be very happy.

“He has started to work. Not with the group, but to be fit. He is progressing well. The scan was better than before.”

Kante suffered the injury while playing for France during a recent game against Bulgaria.

He has been badly missed by Chelsea, who have lost their last two league matches and have a number of other injury worries, particularly in midfield.

Summer signing Danny Drinkwater is still recovering from a calf problem, while Tiémoué Bakayoko and David Luiz both picked up injuries against Roma this week and could miss Saturday’s game against Watford.