N’GOLO KANTE felt an injury coming on so asked to be subbed against Leicester.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed the world class midfielder foresaw a problem so was replaced as a preventative measure.
The Blues beat Brendan Rodgers’ side 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in a huge boost to their Champions League qualification hopes.
Second-half goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho – from the penalty spot – were enough to give the West Londoners all three points.
Kelechi Iheanacho made it a nervy ending when he scored to make it 2-1 with 14 minutes to go but Tuchel’s men held on to go third.
But there were anxious questions about Kante’s fitness after the game with two huge matches still to come in Chelsea’s season.
They must win at Aston Villa in the last game of their Premier League campaign before they face Manchester City in the Champions League final a week later.
The French World Cup winner was replaced by Mateo Kovacic after just 32 minutes but Tuchel was confident it was just a preventative measure.
After the game, the German said: “N’Golo is not injured. He told me – and I understood him right in French – he went out before an injury.
“He felt his hamstrings and was worried that he would get injured if he continued to play.
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“We will check them tomorrow. I have a good feeling with N’Golo.
“He said he felt something, he didn’t want to risk a muscle injury. I hope for Sunday [he will be fit].
Earlier this week, Kante’s international team-mate Paul Pogba claimed the ex-Leicester star DOES cheat despite the ‘cunning’ midfielder saying he doesn’t.
Humble Kante is universally popular and Pogba revealed an unseen side to the Chelsea star during an interview with BeIN Sports.
The 28-year-old said of Kante: “He cheats a lot. A lot.
“At card games, board games. Honestly, I’m telling the truth. He cheats. He says he doesn’t cheat, but he does.
“He uses cunning. He’s a smart kid, N’Golo. But it’s okay. You have to love him.
“He’s the most beloved player in the history of football. You’ve got to love him, you cannot hate him, it is not possible. He is humble, kind, professional. He will never complain, he will work.
“He’s got everything. He’s good technically, with a good passing quality, and he’s everywhere on the pitch.
“I even say he appears out of the ground. You don’t see him, and – poof – he’s out. He gets the ball, he has the finish. He’s everywhere. To have a player like that by your side, what more can you ask for?”
Kante was recently seen celebrating with Chelsea fans as he left Stamford Bridge in his Mini.
And he is also set to open talks with the Blues over a new contract.
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