Kante plays during Chelsea’s friendly match

France international N’Golo Kante finally made his first Chelsea appearance in over seven months as he played for an hour in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Recall that Kante had been sidelined since August after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Blues’ 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The injury saw him lose his spot in France’s squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Kante returned to the Blues team training earlier this month and was an unused substitute during their 2-2 draw against Everton before the international break.

He was able to get game time during a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Kante played for 60 minutes as Chelsea secured a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Cobham training ground.

The French midfielder is expected to return to the Blues squad after the break but he may have to compete with the Blues’ January signing Enzo Fernandez, who has cemented his place as a first-team regular in Potter’s midfield during Kante’s absence.