Chelsea talisman set to be available for Champions League clash vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a lot on the line heading into the final stages of the UEFA Champions League. Five games across three ties stand between Los Blancos and a successful title defence, but the consequences of the results extend far beyond the silverware.

Carlo Ancelotti risks losing his job if the men in white do not win a major trophy this season. With La Liga out of their hand and the Copa del Rey tie standing in a disadvantageous position, the UCL takes more prominence than ever.

The Merengues face off against Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the prestigious event and will play the tie over two legs in April. Ahead of the game, however, there are significant game-changing developments at the London-based side’s camp.

According to reports from AS, N’Golo Kante is expected to be fit for Chelsea’s game against Real Madrid next month after facing close to eight months on the sidelines. The World Cup winner is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world on his day, and his return spells trouble for Ancelotti’s men.

Kante picked up a hamstring injury early into the season when Chelsea played Tottenham in August. He missed six games for the club before returning to training and triggering a relapse, thus sitting out most of his team’s campaign after undergoing surgery.

The French midfielder returned to training only at the beginning of March and his sensations have been positive. After spending over a month recovering match fitness, he could be ready to feature against Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old is yet to return to the field after recovery. However, with three games left before the UCL clash, he will have sufficient time to dust away his rustiness and make an appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu. For the second leg on 18th April, he could well be a starter.

With Graham Potter’s star player ready to pull the strings again, the pressure will be on Real Madrid’s midfield and Ancelotti’s decisions on the night. After all, the game could be won and lost in the midfield.