N’GOLO KANTE gave Chelsea a huge boost ahead of their Premier League return by featuring in Wednesday’s friendly against Reading.
The midfielder has only just returned to full contract training at Cobham after getting personal leave due to fears over coronavirus.
But Kante was fully immersed in today’s match, meaning he is set to be available for Chelsea’s first Premier League game back against Aston Villa.
A low-key friendly at Chelsea’s training base saw Frank Lampard’s men run out 1-0 winners thanks to a strike from veteran winger Pedro.
He looks set to leave this summer when his deal expires.
But there was another boost for Chelsea as Ruben Loftus-Cheek took part in the game.
He hasn’t appeared once this season after suffering a serious injury before last year’s Europa League final.
And Lampard could have a real headache over his midfield with youngster Billy Gilmour also firmly in the mix after taking part against Reading.
Indeed, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Mason Mount and Ross Barkley also played today.
Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud led the line on separate occasions, although there was no sign of Michy Batshuayi.
Callum Hudson-Odoi also didn’t appear to be involved, with Pedro joined by Willian and Christian Pulisic on the wings.
In defence, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori were all seen holding the fort.
Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso were both snapped taking part, with Reece James and Emerson both appearing to miss out.
Keep Arrizabalaga was also seen to be involved, and at one stage was on the bench.
That may suggest Willy Caballero has a shot of featuring between the sticks against Villa.
Some of Chelsea’s stars know they will be playing for their futures when the season resumes.
Lampard has already signed up Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech and is nearing a deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz could be the next star to move to Stamford Bridge.
And Lampard also wants to raid Leicester for left-back Ben Chilwell.
The Chelsea boss could even bring in a new keeper, with Ajax’s Andre Onana linked.
————————-
By: Anthony Chapman
Title: Chelsea beat Reading 1-0 thanks to Pedro goal as Kante and Loftus-Cheek take part too ahead of Premier League return
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11831308/chelsea-reading-friendly-result-kante-loftus-cheek-pedro/
Published Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:31:00 +0000
