Kante to play against AC Milan-Conte

N’Golo Kante will make his Chelsea debut against AC Milan on Thursday, Antonio Conte has confirmed.

Summer signing Kante, who joined from Premier League champions Leicester for £32million this summer, has yet to feature for Chelsea after being given an extended break following France’s run to the Euro 2016 final.

The midfielder has joined up with his new team-mates for their final International Champions Cup clash against Milan on Thursday at the new $1bn US Bank Stadium.

And despite only starting training with the squad last Thursday, Kante has already shown enough to Conte for the Italian to play his new No. 7 against Vincenzo Montella’s Serie A side.

Conte said: “Kante is in good shape and I found him in very good condition.

“Now he is working on the tactical and physical aspect and the video analysis.

“I think he can play 30-45 minutes against AC Milan.

“He is ready and I am very happy to see him so ready to play.”

Conte also confirmed to Standard Sport that centre-back Kurt Zouma is ahead of schedule as he tries to get match fit following a serious knee injury.