KEY POINTS

  • Chelsea take on Brentford in the league on Saturday
  • They are a point clear at the top of the league table
  • Chelsea already have a few injury issues going on

Chelsea’s squad has been boosted with the return of N’Golo Kante and Reece James ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday.

France midfielder Kante has missed as many as two matches for Chelsea since contracting the coronavirus. Chelsea were without their key midfielder in their 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League and 3-1 win over Southampton in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who recently missed France’s semi-final and final of the Nations League, returned to full training for Chelsea Tuesday.

Meanwhile, English defender James also missed the Southampton game due to an ankle issue. While he also missed England national team’s recent matches during the international break, he has returned to Chelsea’s Cobham training base.

"Two key players have returned to Chelsea training to provide Thomas Tuchel with a welcome boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford. Midfielder N’Golo Kante has returned to full training at Cobham following his period of self-isolation. Whilst Reece James was also involved after withdrawing from the England squad last week due to an ankle injury picked up in the game against Manchester City," Chelsea said in an official statement.

N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kanté celebrates with Kai Havertz after scoring Chelsea's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

While Kante’s return will strengthen Chelsea’s defensive midfield during their trip to face off against The Bees, James’ availability will further increase Tuchel’s options at either right center-back or right wing-back.

However, Chelsea still have a few injury concerns left. The Blues’ No. 10 Christian Pulisic is still recovering from an ankle injury while former Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku is the latest entrant in Chelsea’s injury list. The Belgian forward suffered from muscle soreness during the recently concluded international break.

Following the Premier League game with Brentford, Chelsea will take on Swedish club Malmo in the Champions League. Following that, Chelsea have two more league games against Norwich and Newcastle in October, apart from a League Cup match against Southampton.

With five wins, a draw and a loss, Chelsea are currently a point clear at the top of the 2021-22 Premier League table. Liverpool are placed second, ahead of third-placed Manchester City and their city rivals Man United.

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