‘Last hope’ – Chelsea fans go wild after training picture of midfield duo following injury return

Chelsea are set for a big boost later this month when N’Golo Kante makes his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old has been out of action since last August, making just two Premier League appearances so far this season, due to a hamstring problem sustained against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Kante was due to return shortly after but he suffered a setback and was forced to undergo surgery in October, which would keep him sidelined for around four months.

Chelsea have not rushed the France international back in a bid to avoid any further setbacks for the midfielder who they have so often relied on to produce scintillating performances in the middle of the pitch.

He returned to training at Cobham last month and has stepped up his comeback in order to become available for selection again, with the Frenchman yet to play under Graham Potter since he was appointed last September.

Kante has continued to be involved in training this week ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

READ MORE: What Chelsea games Thiago Silva could miss after being ruled out for up to six weeks with knee injury

The 31-year-old is braced for a return this month which sees Chelsea face Leeds, Borussia Dortmund, Leicester City and Everton, in a ‘make or break’ couple of games for Potter over his future.

Many fans are excited to see Kante line up alongside club-record signing Enzo Fernandez after his £106.8 million transfer from Benfica.

The duo were pictured alongside each other in training at Cobham this week, exciting fans about the prospect of the duo playing together.

One fan wrote: “Last hope left that can save us.”

Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League and have lost their last three games in all competitions.

Potter and Co are under pressure and fully aware they need to start producing results following a run of just two wins from their last 16 matches.

Kante’s return will be a huge boost for Chelsea and Potter but they will need to make sure he is not rushed back and carefully managed as he steps his fitness up to get back to 100 percent.

He is also out of contract this summer and has reportedly agreed a new three-year deal until 2026 with the Blues, with the option of a further year.