Premier League Rumors: Chelsea FC Backs Kante Decision, Placed On Compassionate Leave

N'Golo Kante of Chelsea FC is one of the players who remain apprehensive of returning to football action. And it appears that he will be missing the rest of the Premier League season once it resumes. Given that scenario, the Blues respect his decision and have thrown their full support. Kante was around during the club's first training session recently but was given a 'compassionate leave' by coach Frank Lampard.

Though he may not be physically in training, Kante will continue to train with the team from his home, BBC reported. It was a move supported by the Blues. The 29-year-old football player has gone through forgettable episodes in the past. That includes fainting after a training session in 2018. Worse, his brother died of a heart attack that same year.

Looking ahead, it appears the Blues may end up playing the rest of the season without the French national. Kante is not the only player wary of returning to action with the COVID-19 pandemic still unresolved. Players who have yet to return to their clubs include Troy Deeney and Danny Rose, Sky Sports reported. Both are concerned about the risks of contracting the disease with the Office of National Statistics pointing out that black men and women are twice likely to die from the coronavirus compared to white men and women.

Unless a breakthrough comes out, Chelsea will have to play their remaining nine games without Kante if plans to resume the season in June push through. Willy Caballero, who recently agreed to a one-year extension, understands Kante's concerns. However, he is confident that the risk of contracting the disease now is low.

"Many do not want to return until they feel guarantees and security. I believe that in this phase, the risk of contagion is very low and that is why we feel very confident," Caballero said to 90min. "But above all, the entire team supports what Kante did."

Chelsea FC is currently at the fourth spot of the Premier League Table. They are just three points ahead of Manchester United and five points behind Leicester City. With Kante out, Lampard will need to find ways to make do with the players present and prevent the Red Devils from catching up or even possibly dislodging them at fourth.