FRANK LAMPARD hopes NGolo Kante can play against Ajax next week as he prepares to welcome the ace back to training.
Kante, 28, has started just three Premier League games this season after being plagued by repetitive injuries.
The France internationals last appearance came at the beginning of the month in the 4-1 win at Southampton.
And Chelsea fans are starting to get worried about his long-term fitness, with Kante picking up hamstring, knee and ankle knocks in the last six months.
Kantes prolonged absences, resulting in TEN missed matches this term, have seen Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic play in most of Chelseas games in the new Lampard era.
The pair featured yet again in last nights Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United.
And both looked slightly off the pace, with Lampard admitting they could have done with a rest.
Youngster Billy Gilmour was drafted in as Mason Mount was put on the bench.
But with Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek also sidelined with respective ankle and Achilles problems, Chelseas midfield failed to help break down Uniteds stubborn five-man defence.
However, Lampards squad could soon be freshened up by Kantes imminent return.
He is unlikely to feature in the weekend clash at Watford.
But Lampard hopes Kante will be available for selection in next weeks Champions League clash with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Lamps said: Hes going to hopefully join training in the next two or three days.
Hopefully. Hes important, hes a top player.
I would have liked to give Jorginho in particular and Kovacic a rest because of what they have been putting in, the endurance of the season.
But I couldnt because of NGolo, Ross and Ruben out long-term. He (Loftus-Cheek)s on the road but a fair way away.
We couldnt make those changes I would have wanted today but it is what it is.
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