Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is available for the games against Southampton and Newcastle United this week.

The 30-year-old sat out the 7-0 win over Norwich City at the weekend due to muscle tightness but he is back in contention to start matches.

Supporters on Twitter have welcomed Kante’s return, although some feel the France international should not be risked this evening, considering his recent fitness record:

Advantage Chelsea

— lunihan (@lunihann) October 24, 2021

He doesn't need to play on Tuesday

— OCEE (@oceeszn) October 24, 2021

Good news 😊

— Lala 🇫🇷🇸🇳 (@lalalandcfc) October 24, 2021

Let him rest on Tuesday abeg, maybe just 10 mins warm-up at the end.

— Joseph Adeyinka (@JosephAdeyinka8) October 24, 2021

Let's goooooooooo

— Senpero (@tsenkoom) October 24, 2021

30 mins on Tuesday and then we'll see for Saturday. 👍🏻

— Shubham. (@_ShuBhamCFC) October 24, 2021

Nice

— Zipp (@CFCZipp) October 24, 2021

Advantage Chelsea. Please stay fit. Need to push for best Prem midfielder of all time

— RK⭐⭐ (@CfcRZK) October 24, 2021

He should please leave him out of Tuesday game too. It’s not necessary

— {Ç♡DƐDŦĤĪИƓ♡)™️’’’’’”;;;:/“””;;:;;”””;;; (@AWANBOYXE) October 25, 2021

He can rest more as we wait for bigger games in November 😜🤠

— Aoja Aron (@AronAoja) October 25, 2021

Kante has already had a groin injury and the virus; both of which have kept him out of games this season, and he does appear to be getting more injury prone as he gets older.

For that reason, manager Thomas Tuchel would be wise to keep the Frenchman on the bench for the Saints match tonight. There are plenty of other midfielders, including Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who need game time and the Carabao Cup tie is a perfect opportunity for that.

Kante can then have a full weeks’ training ahead of the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.