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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed fears that N’Golo Kante’s string of hamstring injuries could diminish the dynamism of the French World Cup champion’s midfield.
Kante will start Thursday FA Cup fifth round clash at Barnsley in a much-changed Blues lineup, with new boss Tuchel delighted with the 29-year-old’s return to fitness.
The France international has got rid of his latest hamstring problem to be ready for the midweek trip to Oakwell, and now Tuchel has advised him to rediscover his classic aggressive and ball-winning form.
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“I am not absolutely concerned about his quality: from what I see on the field in games and what I see on the field in Cobham, it’s everything I expected, and I expected a lot, I can tell you,” Tuchel said.
“I’m a huge fan and I can see the opinion he has on the teams, he makes the teams better, he makes those around him feel comfortable.
“He has the mentality of a water carrier, but at such a high level.
“What I see here in possession games, what I see here in acceleration, what I see here in passing ability, is absolutely outstanding, and it’s all combined in such a humble personality. So I am not concerned at all.
“I am absolutely not worried about more injuries as well, because I feel supported by the quality medical and physical department at the highest level.
“We can manage his minutes and his workload, and we take care of him in all physical aspects for what he needs.
Chelsea midfielder Kante returned from his latest muscle injury problem to come off the bench in the final stages of his 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham.
The former Leicester player helped the Blues close out Sunday’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United, again enjoying a late cameo.
Tuchel reiterated his considerable regard for Kante’s abilities, as the feisty midfielder approaches full match clarity.
“I think N’Golo fits into the plans of any coach on the planet,” said the former Paris St Germain boss.
“I was desperate to have him on my teams in the past. He is a great Chelsea player and one of the best midfielders in the world. So I am very lucky to have him on my team and that he is back in shape.
“If you look at his performances after injury, we put him on the field against Tottenham with no minutes.
“That was very difficult, but he helped everyone on the field with his support, mentality and quality, which is what he does.
“If you look at the step he took in training between Tottenham and Sheffield United, the 30 minutes he played (against Sheffield United) was a great performance.
“We switched to a three in midfield and this helped us escape the pressure and get back in control of the game.
“I am very very impressed. We have known him very well for many years because we come from a French club.
“We were very impressed by television but to see him live, to see how he works, how humble he is, the quality he gives the team, it is a gift to be his coach. I’m so happy.”
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