Chelsea's Midfield Pairing are Struggling without N’Golo Kante, Says Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois admits Chelsea teammates Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko have struggled in the absence of N’Golo Kante. The midfield enforcer has been out of action since he sustained a hamstring injury on international duty earlier this month and his presence has been sorely missed. Chelsea had cobbled a run of three successive wins together before their midfield was exposed and defence totally overrun during Tuesday’s shambolic 3-0 defeat against Roma in the Champions League.

Kante rated his chances of returning against Manchester United on Sunday as 50-50 but Courtois feels it is important not to rush the Frenchman back even if Fabregas and summer signing Bakayoko are in need of his combative presence alongside them in the Chelsea engine room.

‘Obviously it is different to last season. Injuries have been coming and not at a good time,’ said the Chelsea goalkeeper.‘We know how important N’Golo is for us, he is the guy that brings a lot of balance into the team. But we can’t push him to play if he doesn’t feel ready. ‘Danny [Drinkwater] was also out for a long time as well. It means Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas have played a lot of games in midfield and obviously that goes into their legs and it is harder for them to keep up the pressure, especially against the midfield three like Roma had.’

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