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31-year-old spotted back in Chelsea training in huge boost to under-pressure Graham Potter

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Chelsea midfielder N’golo Kante has been captured by Football Daily back in first team training after his extended lay-off due to injury.

The Frenchman has not been seen since on the pitch since the second game of the season, when he was forced off injured against Tottenham.

It could perhaps have been seen as an omen of what was to come this season, with fortunes on the pitch and injury problems being far from ideal.

Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

The club have struggled to find a suitable replacement for the role this season, with that issue continuing after the January transfer window.

Chelsea smashed their transfer record to sign Enzo Fernandez on deadline day last month, however they have struggled to find a partner for him to get the best out of him so far.

Kante back in training

Attempts so far have seen the Blues try Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and a returning Mateo Kovacic alongside the World Cup winner, all to no real avail.

A more defensive presence certainly seems like what is needed, with fellow option Denis Zakaria also missing in recent weeks due to injury.

Graham Potter however will have been handed a massive boost when Kante was able to train with the rest of the squad today ahead of the London derby with Spurs at the weekend.

Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League
Photo by Oliver Hardt – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

It is unlikely he will be able to feature just yet for the Blues, with his injury keeping him out for near enough half a year now.

There is likely a hope for the 31-year-old to be involved in the Champions League when the second leg against Borussia Dortmund comes around.

Chelsea currently have a one goal deficit to turnaround, with the competition holding their only remaining chance at silverware and Champions League qualification for next season.