Chelsea are paying the price for their reliance on N’Golo Kante.
Frank Lampard was talking about the midfielder in his press conference today, and it seems his mystery issues are going to go on.
The Frenchman never quite seems to be fit, nor injured. He’s continually risked, usually makes it through the game, then vanishes for another month.
It’s proving very difficult to structure a team with him in, and the frustration may mean it’s best to leave him out for an extended period.
When he’s fit he’s our best player, and the first name on the teamsheet. But we can’t pencil him in as a regular missing a couple of games anymore. It seems likely that for the rest of this season – and maybe longer – we’re going to have to plan for a Chelsea XI without him. When he’s available it’s a huge bonus, but we can’t count on him to rack up the games he has done in previous years.