Chelsea boss Frank Lampard annoyed at handling of N’Golo Kante - ‘Not a laughing matter'
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has struggled for fitness and is not fit for the clash with Newcastle after picking up another problem on international duty with France.
He returned to light training two days later before being an unused substitute the following day in the 1-1 draw with Turkey.
Now Kante has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Newcastle, leaving Lampard critical of former Chelsea midfielder and now France boss, Didier Deschamps.
“No, N’Golo is not fit. A small groin issue with France, he isn’t fit for Saturday,” Lampard said.
“We all have our selection problems, but the Kante one was not a laughing matter.
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante was injured in the France warm up vs Iceland (Image: GETTY)
“We communicated before the first international break.
“It was clear that he wasn’t fit to play the second game and he sat on the bench.
“I think it could have been handled better.
“I understand that when a player is on international duty that they are their players, but it was clear that he wasn’t fit.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Frank Lampard is angry with former Chelsea player Didier Deschamps (Image: GETTY)
It’s not the first time there have been tensions between the two bosses.
Last week Deschamps aimed a subtle dig at Lampard and his use of Olivier Giroud, who netted both goals for France over the international break.
"Lampard asked me not to pick Kante at the last rally,” Deschamps said.
“If it’s still that way, maybe I'll call him later to tell him it would be nice if you play Olivier Giroud a little bit."