Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed that N’Golo Kante is set to make his return from injury against Aston Villa.
The Frenchman has remained on the sidelines for the Blues in recent months due to a hamstring injury, in which he required surgery.
Kante has not played for Chelsea since their 2-2 draw against Tottenham in August.
He returned to the bench in their match against Everton before the international break, but remained an unused substitute.
The midfielder could be set to make his long-awaited return on Saturday though when they host Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
“We have to manage his minutes and build them up in the Premier League,” said Potter.
“He is available in the squad and I am pretty sure he will be on the pitch at some point tomorrow.”
Potter also commented on Mason Mount’s current mentality at the club, with the 24-year-old’s future looking uncertain.
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Talks over a new deal with the Blues have stalled, and a summer departure is looking increasingly likely.
However, Potter has insisted Mount is still acting like a true professional despite the noise: “It’s been tough for him because he’s had niggly injuries and noise off the pitch.
“He’s a top professional, how he’s acted with me and around us has been top. Sometimes if things in your career aren’t optimal, you’ve got to act well and he has.”
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has recently been appointed as the new manager at Bayern Munich.
He confirmed that he is keen to bring the highly-rated Blues coach Anthony Barry with him to Germany, saying: “We’re fighting for that and we’re confident because it’s my absolute wish.”
Amid the speculation over the coach’s future at the Blues, Potter revealed on Friday that negotiations are taking place over a potential switch.
He said: “Anthony is in discussions, clubs are in discussions. He’s away from us for the moment. It’s between the clubs, it’s not something I get involved in.
“I have huge respect for what he’s done, here, fantastic coach, fantastic person. We have a great staff that can fill the gap. The collective can solve the problem.”
Showdown Saturday on talkSPORT
On Saturday 1 April, it’s all kicking off on talkSPORT.
12:30pm: Starting the day, Man City host Liverpool in a key Premier League game.
3pm: Crystal Palace vs Leicester sees the return of Roy Hodgson to the Selhurst Park dugout.
7pm: Build-up begins for the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin as AJ starts his route back to the top.
What. A. Day.
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