Journalist Simon Phillips has said that N’Golo Kante’s injury woes could be “a real problem” for Graham Potter at Chelsea.
The French midfielder has been out of action since the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Tottenham on August 14th. He is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and talks over a renewed deal have stalled.
As reported by David Ornstein, the west Londoners were unwilling to meet Kante’s demands of a three-year deal plus the option of a further 12 months due to fears over his fitness.
The 2016/17 PFA Player of the Year has been described as ‘magic’ by Rangers icon Ally McCoist in the past, but his injury problems have been persistent throughout his time at Chelsea.
Kante’s injuries a “real problem”
Phillips has shared an alarming statistic which outlines just how frequently the midfielder has been absent and insists that it’s a ‘real problem’ for Potter as he sets out on his managerial stint with the Blues.
The jouurnalist told GIVEMESPORT: “I looked at a stat the other day and Kante has missed 50 percent of games that he could be available for in the last two seasons, so that’s a real problem and worry.”
Still influential…whenever he’s fit
Indeed the 53-cap France colossus has managed just 68 Premier League starts since the start of the 2019/20 campaign under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
However, there’s no denying his influence on the Chelsea team when fit – his average of 2.3 tackles per game last season was the best at Stamford Bridge when players who featured in just one game are discounted.
The Blues to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in Potter’s first league game at the helm, ahead of which Kante has been pictured back in training.
Having the 31-year-old available will be a huge boost for the new Chelsea manager, but the long-term future of the midfield anchor could be in doubt, with PSG and Juventus loitering should he not be offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Given Phillips’ revelation about Kante’s frequent absences, and the Frenchman’s contract situation, there’s a chance that Todd Boehly and co might just listen to any offers which are presented in the near future.
