Chelsea have received a huge boost with the news that N'Golo Kante is due to return to full training.

The Frenchman has been absent since he came off against Juventus last month with a knee issue.

Fellow midfielder Matteo Kovacic is also close to ending his isolation period due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Speaking about both players recently, manager Thomas Tuchel said: "It is absolutely crucial because Jorgi is sacrificing in the middle of the pitch in games like when you need two players to drive the ball and pick up good spaces in midfield.

"Leeds would have been the perfect game for both of them.

"Kova had symptoms over the last few days. Not too bad is my information, but I don't know the answer to when he is allowed to come back.

"We need to know what the doctor says and 10 days and some tests to be negative before he can come back."