N’Golo Kanté suffered a hamstring injury at the end of last season and the Chelsea star has struggled with injuries even in this campaign, which has hindered him from featuring regularly for Frank Lampard’s side.
The France international picked up an ankle injury in August and had to wait until the end of September to regain full fitness.
Last month, the midfielder had another setback as he picked up a groin injury whilst with the national team. Kanté made his first appearance since October’s international break in his side’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Having returned to the pitch, the former Leicester City man opened about his recent injury woes to French newspaper L’Equipe.
“It made me happy because it took a lot of work to get back. Already, at the end of last season, I was injured (knee), I was even uncertain for the final of the Europa League against Arsenal (4-1, May 29). I then lived my vacation with the desire to resume,” he said.
“…and I started the season with an ankle sprain. Playing and being stopped, and being stopped again. I hope the worries are behind me.
“I had to handle a sprained knee and sprained ankle that was a little difficult to treat. These were not the easiest months of my career. But I am now pleased to return.”
When further questioned if these recent injury setbacks allowed him to know his body better, Kanté responded: “Of course. Maybe when I was young, I could play even when I had a physical problem. I compensated and made sure to be on the pitch in any circumstances.
“Today, I may have to pay more attention to recovery, to take good care of my little worries because, over time, they can create bigger problems.”
L’Equipe asked where he found happiness pleasure during his absence. To which, he said: “I do not think it added to my daily life. I was aware that I had to accept it.
“So, I took pleasure in the way I prepared for my return and did it my best possible way. I paid more attention to what’s at the side of football.
“I was already very demanding, but I raised the bar because it is often the small details that can cause problems. Not being sucked into the next game, it allowed me to focus on myself and think about what I could do better.”
Kanté signed an extension last November and his current deal at Chelsea expires in 2023. The Frenchman once again said he feels good at the club and in London.
