Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
All focus on Kante injury return rather than new contract talks
GRAHAM Potter has insisted N’Golo Kante’s four-month injury lay-off will not affect any new contract talks with Chelsea.
Kante’s latest hamstring problem requires surgery, ruling the France talisman out of the Qatar World Cup.
The World Cup-winning midfielder’s Stamford Bridge contract expires next summer, and a string of hamstring and knee problems have ravaged his last three years in west London.
Chelsea are understood to be chasing new midfield recruits in January and next summer, but manager Potter insisted the Blues’ only focus now is to help Kante recover from his latest setback. Asked if Kante’s injury could affect his contract situation, Potter replied: “No, the most important thing for us and for me is that we help him get fit. That’s the focus.
“He’s got a long road ahead of him, so we’ve got to make sure we get the right plan and recovery for him.
“And when he’s enjoying his football we can think about those things then.”
England star Reece James is also likely to miss the World Cup after knee ligament trouble.
Potter conceded there is precious little he can do to soften the blow for either Kante or James, instead focusing on helping both stars attack their rehab.
“The reality is I haven’t got anything to say that will make it any better for them,” said Potter.
“We just have to focus on the things you can control, your rehab, go day to day. Then things start to get better and then you can move forward.”