Antonio Conte expects N'Golo Kante to face Crystal Palace for Chelsea despite midfielder's 'passed out' incident

Italian manager satisfied that his player has trained all week and shown no signs of problems since the drama last Friday.

epa06564750 Chelsea’s N'Golo Kante reacts after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC held at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 25 February 2018. EPA/PETER POWELL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Press Association
Mar 09, 2018
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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte revealed midfielder N'Golo Kante has trained all week after passing out in the dressing room last Friday.

The Frenchman was immediately tended to by doctors, and his manager insists there have been no ill-effects this week.

"N'Golo is fine," Conte said at his press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday's game with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge as the Premier League champions look to get their hopes of finishing in the top four back on track after losing 1-0 at Manchester City last weekend.

"He trained the whole week. He's in good form. He's fine. Last week, on Friday, it was very cold. After the training session he passed out briefly in the dressing room.

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"The doctor brought him to have many check-ups, to understand his physical condition. But it was all clear. I think that on Sunday he was well, but at the same time it was right not to take a risk, to give him the opportunity not to play and to rest. He's OK. Every check-up is OK, it is perfect."

Asked about the fitness of others in his squad, Conte added: "David Luiz is injured. Also (Ross) Barkley. Then I have to check a couple of situations before taking the decisions for tomorrow's game (against Crystal Palace).

"It's better to keep secret the situation."

Chelsea are five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with nine games to go.

Palace are in the relegation zone in 18th spot and have lost their past three games.

Conte said he had the option of playing either Olivier Giroud or Alvaro Morata against Palace.

"Tomorrow for sure we have this option, to play with Giroud, or Morata as number nine," he said.

"For us it's an important game. We want to try to get three points. We'll see tomorrow which is my final decision.

"I trust them both and for sure I'm working with them both to bring them in the best physical form and best condition.

"Morata is coming (back) from a strange injury in his back. He was for a long time out. Giroud is in good form now, is working very well, is working every day and is in good physical condition. I trust a lot in all my players."

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