Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has admitted that it has been a major challenge to keep N’Golo Kante fit and firing on all cylinders this campaign.

The Frenchman has not always been at his best this season, and Lampard has revealed he has been working hard on the player’s fitness regime in order to make sure they can get the best out of him:

“I have made big steps to try and manage his training and games, and making sure we attempt to keep him as fit and ready for games as we can, he’s shown in the last couple of games he’s played he is N’Golo Kante. His attributes are incredible, he can play various positions in midfield, he has energy, the ability to win the ball back but also his ability on the ball. That is sometimes underrated.”

“People always want to talk about him being the defensive midfielder around and he should be in a deeper role, but he can do lots of different roles with massive effect. I’m pleased he is fit now and we will keep managing that.”

Kante’s injury problems started when he injured his knee in the Europa League final back in 2019. Since then, he has picked up a succession of soft tissue injuries that have hindered his game time.

The 29-year-old has featured in almost every match this season, but he has been rested on occasion in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup in order to protect his fitness. Hopefully, after some good displays recently, we’ll see the best of him in a Chelsea shirt over the coming weeks and months.