Chelsea will take on Norwich City away from home on Saturday and it looks like N’Golo Kante could be an absentee.
N’Golo Kante failed to start the season opener vs Man United and the result was for all to see. And while the Blues have not picked up any wins after that either but with the midfielder playing in those matches, Chelsea have looked a far more balanced side.
But now speaking ahead of the Carrow Road clash, the manager has cast a doubt over the participation of N’Golo Kante.
‘N’Golo Kante has got an injury he has carried all week,’ said Lampard.
‘We are going to assess that over the next 24 hours to see if he’s fit. It’s an ankle sprain.
The manager has also made it clear that Antonio Rudiger will not be a part of this game but Pedro who had skipped a few training sessions is back and will be available for selection.
‘Rudiger is not fit yet, hopefully not next week,
‘Those are the only changes from where we were last week. Pedro missed open training on Tuesday as he has contributed a lot physically during a busy week with three games, and had a couple of small aches.
‘It was a precaution taking him out for a couple of days but he has trained the last two days.’
The manager also gave an update on youngster Hudson Odoi saying that they need to bring him back to the first-team action with the utmost caution.
‘Callum’s training, he’s looking bright and sharp, but we are in the zone where it’s about protecting him and getting condition and fitness, particularly with his injury,’ the manager added.
‘He’s had a quite a long time out. Same with Rudiger slightly. We have to be careful.Â
‘The international break comes at a good time for us with both those and Reece James.
‘They are all in a position where I hope two or three weeks of strong training puts them right in the frame to be back in the squad and available.’
If N’Golo Kante does miss the Norwich game then it will certainly be a huge blow for Lampard since he along with Pedro have been the two best players for the Blues so far this season.
And in the absence of Kante, it should be Jorginho, Mason Mount and Kovacic who will make up the three-man midfield and looking at this team sheet, Canaries boss Daniel Farke will get a massive confidence booster.
