(Reuters) - Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has made a return to full contact training on Tuesday ahead of the Premier League restart next week.
Kante had been training individually at Chelsea's Cobham (LON:COB) training ground after he expressed concerns over his safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was initially granted compassionate leave to miss the squad's return to training.
However, the 29-year-old was reintegrated with Frank Lampard's first team squad, and the World Cup winner will be expected to play a pivotal role in the closing stages of the campaign.
"Kante joined in as the team indulged in a series of different skill activities using various props," Chelsea said in a statement https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/06/09/kante-returns-to-contact-training.
"The midfielder looked sharp as he took part in a series of rondos before finding the net with a smartly placed shot in the practice game."
Chelsea will restart their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on June 21.
With nine games remaining, Lampard's side sit fourth in the standings, three points clear of Manchester United, as they chase Champions League qualification.