Boost for Chelsea as star midfielder is ramping up efforts to boost fitness

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante took part in a friendly to boost up his fitness

According to The Athletic (subscription required), Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly to boost his fitness during the international break.

The Frenchman played for an hour against Charlton and came out unscathed. Chelsea won the game 3-0, thanks to goals from Silko Thomas, Malik Mothersille and Dion Rankine.

Kante hasn’t played a game for the Blues since picking up a hamstring injury in the league game against Tottenham Hotspur back in August.

The 31-year-old has been in team training for the last few days. But, this hour of game time would undoubtedly do a world of good for him.

The former Leicester City star’s return to the team would be a massive boost for Graham Potter and his staff. They now have a world-class available to play as we enter the final part of this season.

Chelsea still have a lot to play for in April and May, with the quarter-final tie of the Champions League against Real Madrid awaiting alongside key league encounters.

If Kante starts the majority of those games, the Blues would have a better chance of winning them and having a special end to a turgid season.

The Frenchman’s contract at Stamford Bridge is expiring this summer (Transfermarkt). It remains to be seen whether he would sign that extension. A few weeks ago, Daily Mail reported that he is close to signing a new three-year deal. There has been no confirmation of that yet.

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Chelsea must extend Kante’s stay at the club beyond this season. His quality and consistency in performances cannot be matched by many in the world game. We hope that the injury issues don’t recur and that he stays fit for the forthcoming games and seasons.