Kante could play from the bench vs Aston Villa

Chelsea manager Graham Potter in a pre-match statement has revealed midfielder and France international N’Golo Kante could play from the bench vs Aston Villa on Saturday.

Kante is yet to make an appearance under Potter due to a hamstring issue he picked up in August.

However, the Frenchman seems to be close to getting back out on the Stamford Bridge pitch in competitive action, having participated in a friendly against Charlton Athletic during the international break.

Potter revealed Kante is a part of the Blues squad to face Aston Villa and is certain he would make an appearance during the match.

‘We have to manage his minutes and building those minutes up in the Premier League, because he’s been out for so long. But he’s been training well and he’s had some behind-closed-doors game time. He’s available in the squad and I’m pretty sure he’ll be on the pitch at some point tomorrow.’