Chelsea: Potter handed 'massive boost' over £290k-a-week star at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante recovering from injury will be a huge boost for Graham Potter, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The £290,000 per-week star has missed most of the season with a hamstring problem but appears to be closing in on a return to action having returned to training – albeit Potter has ruled him out of the clash with Crystal Palace this weekend.

What’s the latest news involving Kante?

Having been restricted to just 21 Premier League starts last season, the experienced midfielder would have been looking to put his injury problems behind him and kick on.

But Kante injured his hamstring in the draw with Tottenham last month, the latest in a long line of setbacks in recent years.

As a result, the 31-year-old has been forced to miss the last five top-flight games and Chelsea’s opening two Champions League fixtures.

Fortunately, Kante returned to training over the international break and maybe he will have his eye on either the Champions League tie with AC Milan or the Premier League fixture with Wolves after the trip to Selhurst Park.

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And with Chelsea unable to find a settled midfielder partnership in Kante’s absence, plus the ex-Leicester man being one of the best in the business on his day, O’Rourke reckons his future return is great news for Potter.

What did O’Rourke say about Kante?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s a huge boost. We all know a fit and firing N’Golo Kante is a top player in the Premier League.

“I think Chelsea are a better side when Kante is starting in midfield as well, so to have your top players available will come as a massive boost to Graham Potter.”

Could Kante start against Crystal Palace?

Despite Kante being extremely important to Chelsea, picking him from the off at the start of a hectic October schedule after he’s been out for more than six weeks is risky.

Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho were Potter’s midfield pair in his only match in charge against Salzburg and providing those two have returned home from international duty injury-free, they could start once again.

Regardless, seeing Kante back on the pitch will be great news for everyone concerned with Chelsea, and an in-form one could really make a massive difference in the weeks and months ahead.