Harry Diamond
Frank Lampard has revealed that N’golo Kante picked up another ‘small injury’ during Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, and the Frenchman will be assessed before the club’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
Europa League holders Chelsea meet Champions League winners Liverpool in Istanbul on Wednesday night, the Premier League rivals meeting in the first major European final of the season.
Chelsea boss Lampard has revealed his side could be without influential midfielder Kante, who suffered a ‘small’ problem at Old Trafford, whilst the 41-year-old also provided updates on absent duo Antonio Rudiger and Willian.
Rudiger has been sidelined since April with a knee problem but could be named amongst the substitutes, whilst Brazil international Willian could also feature having recovered from an injury suffered during this summer’s Copa America.
“The selection of Kante on the bench [against Manchester United] was because he’d missed a big part of pre-season and the whole of his off-season so he wasn’t ready,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.
“He actually picked up another small injury in the game, which is always a danger when you’re trying to bring players back, so we’re assessing that for tomorrow and I have to make a decision with him this evening.
“Willian and Rudiger are here with us but they’re in different stages of recovery.
“Willian is not far from being fit, his injury has healed but it’s tough to bring him back for such a high-intensity match. He’ll be working through this week to build his fitness and will be on the bench tomorrow.
“It’s a similar situation with Rudiger but we felt it was important for us to bring them here because they were a big part of the success last season.”
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