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Cape Town - Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has claimed it would be "great for everybody" if France international N'Golo Kante is allowed to rest during the international break.
Kante did not feature for the Blues as they beat Norwich City 3-2 at Carrow Road on Saturday as he continues to struggle with an ankle problem.
The France international is known for his reliability and across four seasons – one with Leicester and three at Samford Bridge – he has only missed 10 Premier League matches.
However, niggles have started to appear in recent times, with hamstring and knee injuries towards the back end of last season, while he has struggled with an ankle issue since pre-season.
France are set to face Albania and Andorra in Euro 2020 qualifiers, and Lampard feels it would be better for the player and club if Kante stayed back in London to recuperate.
"It is a difficult one. He has had four years of constantly playing," Lampard said.
"The injury from the Europa League final has affected his pre-season. Then he hurt himself against Man United.
"We are trying to get him through it. Today was too painful. The international break will be great for him to get the injury right.
"It would be great for everybody [if Kante stays] because he's been playing game after game after game."
