Chelsea could sign N’Golo Kante replacement after injury update – pundit
Frank McAvennie has suggested Chelsea could sign Frenkie de Jong as a replacement for the injured N’Golo Kante.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-West Ham striker said De Jong, 25, could fill in for Kante while he is sidelined.
The Blues drew 2-2 with Tottenham on Sunday (14 August).
Kante hobbled off after 85 minutes with a hamstring problem and received treatment on the pitch.
Speaking to club media after the game (14 August), Thomas Tuchel did not give a timeframe on the recover but admitted the injury is “not good”.
According to Sky Sports (11 August), Chelsea are interested in signing De Jong from Barcelona.
The Blues are said to be willing to match Man United’s £72million bid.
When asked if Chelsea would need to sign a replacement for Kante if his injury is found to be long-term, McAvennie told Football Insider‘s Charlotte Cohen: “They’re talking about De Jong.
“Would he make a difference at Chelsea? Yes. But then what is he going to do when Kante comes back?
“Kante is a big player for Chelsea and he does a lot of things that people don’t notice but every one of his teammates notice it. He’s a huge player for them.
“If it’s a hamstring it could only be three weeks.”
Kante made 42 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season.
In those outings he scored two goals and provided five assists.
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has suggested Antonio Conte set for extended ban amid new Tottenham controversy