Chelsea injury news and return dates vs Liverpool: Kante return, Kovacic doubt, Chilwell recovery

Chelsea are set to welcome back N'Golo Kante to the matchday squad for the huge FA Cup final against Liverpool on Saturday.

Kante returned to first team training this week, after missing the win over Leeds on Wednesday after also missing clashes against Wolves and Everton. As one midfielder returns, another remains a doubt for Thomas Tuchel after Mateo Kovacic had to be withdrawn on Wednesday night after suffering an ankle injury leaving the Croatia international with a race against time to be fit for the clash against Liverpool.

Ben Chilwell stepped up his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered back in November last year. So, take a look at all of the fitness issues Arteta has to deal with.

The Croatian midfielder only recently returned from injury but now is back on the sidelines after picking up a knock to his ankle in the 3-0 win over Leeds on Wednesday, coming off after 30 minutes. It's a major blow for the Blues as Kovacic has caused Liverpool problems in the past, most notably scoring a spectacular volley against the Reds in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January.

Following the victory over Leeds, Tuchel offered an update on Kovacic saying: "It looks swollen and painful. It's the same ankle he had injured already, it doesn't look good."

Return date: Leicester City (H) - May 19

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Kante was left out of the Blues' matchday squad for a third successive game on Wednesday as he continued to recover from an injury sustained after the game against Manchester United in April. The French international looks set to return to the squad for the FA Cup final against Liverpool which will soften the blow of losing Kovacic somewhat as Chelsea prepare for their biggest game of the