Bad news for Tuchel as France confirm injury to key Chelsea star

N’Golo Kante suffered a hamstring injury for France

A statement by the French Football Federation (h/t The Independent) confirmed that Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has suffered a hamstring injury while playing for France.

The French midfielder played the full 90 minutes against Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. But it was revealed after the match that he had suffered a hamstring tear during the course of their 1-1 draw.

The statement also mentioned that the 29-year-old would not be playing for France during this international break again. France take on Kazakhstan on Sunday before a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.

N'Golo Kante (R) has picked up a hamstring injury on international duty for France.
N’Golo Kante (R) has picked up a hamstring injury on international duty for France.

“N’Golo Kanté will not take part in the next two matches of the French team on Sunday in Kazakhstan and three days later in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Chelsea midfielder felt a pain in his left hamstring at the very end of the match against Ukraine on Wednesday at the Stade de France.”

Back to Cobham

The statement then concluded by stating that the midfielder will travel back to his club for rehabilitation. Kante is expected to fly out to Cobham on Friday night to begin his recovery process.

Didier Deschamps will not call up a replacement for Kante during this international break. But the real worry right now would be for Thomas Tuchel, who would be unsure of the extent of Kante’s injury.

Thomas Tuchel would hope that N'Golo Kante is back against Porto. (imago Images)
Thomas Tuchel would hope that N’Golo Kante is back against Porto. (imago Images)

Chelsea are scheduled to play the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto on 7th April. And the club would be hoping to have the former Leicester City midfielder to be back for the game.

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But before that, the Blues also have a Premier League clash to care of. Chelsea take on West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, and 3 points in that game could really strengthen Chelsea’s grip on a top-4 spot.