Belgium's Jan Vertonghen is challenged by France's Blaise Matuidi, left, and Ngolo Kante, front, during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Chelsea Midfielder To Miss World Cup

Few players shine as bright a light on the soccer world as N’Golo Kante. The France and Chelsea midfielder is renowned for his relentless defensive work-rate and never-ending smile. He is a staple of Chelsea’s starting lineup and a mainstay of the French squad. One of the game’s brightest stars will miss significant time following an injury.

Kante has undergone surgery on an injured hamstring and is set to miss the next four months. He will now miss the Qatar World Cup this December.

Kante Injury

“N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury,” said Chelsea F.C. “The midfielder visited a specialist with the club’s medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach and it was mutually agreed for N’Golo to have surgery to repair the damage. Following a successful operation, N’Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”

Kante has been out injured for the last two months. The French midfielder hasn’t featured since an August 14th Chelsea match against Tottenham. This was only his second appearance for the English club this season.

Kante has been one of the most accomplished soccer players in recent memory. Kante is the only player in soccer history to win the Premier League, World Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup with a single club. He is also a Premier League Player of the Year winner.

France look to repeat as World Cup Winners this December and will dearly miss the midfielder in Qatar.

About Connor O'Bryan

Connor O'Bryan is a world soccer reporter for ESPN Gainesville. He also sometimes covers baseball and other sports. He has previously written for WUFT Gainesville and for Atrium Magazine. Connor also cohosts the "Off The Bar Podcast", a student driven podcast that focuses on the global soccer landscape.

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