Frank Lampard says that Chelsea FC need to be patient with N’Golo Kante as he continues his recovery from an ankle problem.
The French midfielder sat out Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League as he continues his recovery from the issue that has been giving him trouble for some time.
Lampard also confirmed that Kante will not be featuring for France during the forthcoming international break as the midfielder continues to work on his rehabilitation at Cobham.
The Chelsea FC boss has not been able to set a return date for the defensive midfielder, but he is adamant that the problem is not a long-term one.
Speaking at a news conference before Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United, Lampard said: “N’Golo Kante is not fit. It’s a continuation of his ankle problem.
“He won’t be travelling with the French squad either. I had a conversation with Didier Deschamps and we both agreed it was the best thing for him, so let’s try and get him fit over the break.”
He continued: “There is a phase and I remember it is as a player myself, when sometimes you get a couple of niggles and you just have to clear the decks and get them right. I am not worried at all about any long-term effect at this point.
“It is more can we show him a little bit of TLC in terms of he has a problem, he has pain in his ankle, it is not a huge injury, can we get that right?
“Then we can start afresh because he missed pre-season and this international break falls at a good time for him.
“I don’t expect any issues unless there is something I don’t know about coming up.”
Chelsea FC will return to Premier League action after the international break when they take on Wolves away from home on Saturday 14 September.
Lampard has been tasked with keeping Chelsea FC’s position in the top four this season after they finished third and won the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri last term.