Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante could be back for Frank Lampard’s first competitive match in charge, according to the Evening Standard.

The Frenchman had to return from the Blues’ pre-season tour of Japan to continue treatment on a knee problem.

It was feared that Kante could miss the opening game of the season against Manchester United but Chelsea believe there is a good chance that he will be ready for the clash at Old Trafford.

There are just under three weeks to go before the season opener, and Chelsea think the 28-year-old would be best-served continuing his rehab at Cobham to give him the best chance of being in the starting line up.

Whether it will be enough time to recover properly from an injury that has plagued him since the back end of last season, it remains to be seen.

Chelsea were hopeful that he would play on the pre-season tour in Japan but if he does return against United, he would not have played a single minute in the build to the new campaign.