Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that N’Golo Kante will be back in training in the next few days, and could be in line for a first-team return before the next international break.

Prior to the Burnley game last week, the Blues boss said that the Frenchman would be out for an indefinite period to give the midfielder time to recover from a series of injuries. However, speaking after the defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last night, he said:

“Training in the next two or three days. Hopefully [before the international break]. It’s important, he’s a top player.”

The game against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in ten days time is the last game before the next set of international fixtures, and Kante could be back in the matchday squad for that game if there are no setbacks on his return to training.

The 27-year-old will, though, definitely miss the match against Watford this weekend, and it is unlikely he’ll feature next Tuesday when Chelsea play Ajax in the Champions League.