Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea handed N'Golo Kante boost ahead of Premier League restart
Chelsea continued their preparations for the Premier League restart by beating Championship outfit Reading in a friendly, with N'Golo Kante in action.
Chelsea were in action on Wednesday afternoon in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Reading at their Cobham HQ. A first-half goal from Pedro was enough to seal victory for Frank Lampard's side. While the result will have provided a confidence boost for the Blues ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on June 21, N'Golo Kante's appearance will have been most pleasing.
Kante returned to full contact training on Tuesday having previously trained alone due to concerns about contracting coronavirus.
The 29-year-old had been fearful about his safety and that of his family. Kante’s brother Niama died of a heart attack shortly before the 2018 World Cup, and his father died when he was aged just 11. Kante suffered a health scare when he collapsed in front of team-mates two years ago.
Chelsea had granted Kante compassionate leave from taking part in full training for the first phase.
He is expected to miss the trip to Villa Park but could now be ready for the Premier League clash with Manchester City on June 25.
KEY STORY: Transfer news LIVE: Werner Chelsea announcement, Grealish to Man Utd, Tottenham decision
Chelsea fans were delighted to see Kante in action.
"Good to see Kante back," wrote one supporter on Twitter.
"Good news," said a second.
While a third added: "Great to read that Kante played some part in the friendly today."
DON'T MISS
Man Utd leading transfer races for two key Solskjaer targets - with third arrival possible
Chelsea hold Kai Havertz transfer talks in bid to beat Man Utd to £70m deal
What Chelsea senior figures believe about Jadon Sancho's future amid Man Utd interest
Christian Pulisic, who suffered an adductor injury on New Year's Day, was also in action.
There was further good news for Lampard as Ruben Loftus-Cheek featured after coming through Saturday's intra-squad friendly at Stamford Bridge unscathed.
Loftus-Cheek has not made a first-team appearance since damaging his Achilles in a post-season friendly in May 2019.
Reading boasted Chelsea loanee Matt Miazga and Blues academy graduate John Swift in their team.