Lampard says having world-class Kante fit is a nice problem

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard admits the return to fitness of N’Golo Kante gives him a ‘nice problem’ in selecting his first-choice midfield.

The France international has endured an injury interrupted start to the new season, making just five appearances thus far, though he has returned to training following his latest setback and will be included in the squad for tonight’s Champions League meeting with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have enjoyed an impressive run of form despite the 28-year-old’s absence, losing just one of their last eight fixtures in all competitions, with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic striking up a promising partnership in central midfield.

Lampard admits that Kante’s return gives him somewhat of a selection headache, but says he will welcome back a player he describes as one of the best midfielders in world football.

“Kante is in the squad so he is fit and it looks nicely like the injury and the few niggles he was getting have cleared up and we have been able get some work into him,” Lampard told his pre-match press conference.

“It was always stop-start before that. He is in the squad and available. N’Golo is huge for us.

“He is one of the best midfielders in the world and has been for a few seasons, so I won’t complain about the nice problem I have with him fit.

“I want competition, we are playing every three or four days at the moment and I am going to need all of the midfielders and in different positions as well.”