Frank Lampard has held his press conference ahead of the Chelsea clash with Lille in the Champions League tomorrow, and he’s given an update of the fitness of a key player for Chelsea.
N’Golo Kante has played two full games this season, but has otherwise been almost totally absent recovering from various niggles. He trained last week and this week, including today, with apparent normality however, and is clearly very close to fitness.
Nizaar Kinsella reported Lampard’s answer word for word from the conference, which began with a question about his midfielder’s health.
Lampard on time as ever. Team news: "He trained this morning. Got through training okay but one we have to assess in the morning. We are positive he is fit to play. It doesn't relate [to the Europa League final] but it meant he had a broken pre-season." #CFC #UCL
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) October 1, 2019
It’s a big call as to whether to risk Kante tomorrow night, even if he is fit. He’s had a decent stretch without playing now, and will risk losing his match sharpness again if he’s not picked.
On the other hand there are three winnable points on offer in the Premier League this weekend, and Lampard may be tempted to risk letting the other midfielders in his squad try to get the win in France without the little dynamo.
