Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has been handed a boost after driving midfield force N'Golo Kante returned to full first-team training after missing the recent clash with Brighton.

The Frenchman has been absent due to a series of injuries, starting the campaign with a lingering ankle issue before pulling his hamstring.

But Kante was back in training and looking in high spirits on Tuesday, as Chelsea prepare to return to European action against Lille on Wednesday.

An upbeat N'Golo Kante has handed Chelsea a boost after returning to first team training

The Frenchman got stuck into the action with his team-mates ahead of European duty

Kante featured alongside Pedro and Co as Chelsea went about their European preparation

The Blues travel to France for their Champions League group stage clash, for which Kante is hopeful of playing some part.

It is understood that Kante has featured in elements of training before missing last weekend's Premier League showdown with Brighton, after Blues coaches were intent on monitoring his progress.

Manager Lampard himself said Kante would not be rushed into action, despite his bright start to the current campaign.

Manager Frank Lampard kept a watchful eye over Tuesday's training session at Cobham

Olivier Giroud is in contention to lead the line for Chelsea back in his homeland on Wednesday

He said: 'My feeling is that he has played a lot and that's because he has been so successful and so important to the teams he has been in. At the minute, he has injuries.

'This little niggle he had is a small, small injury. We just need to get it right. We are just careful and it is my duty to work with him. The medical team are working so hard with him.

'I have been there as a player and, if you miss a pre-season through an injury in particular, then you are playing catch-up.'

Tammy Abraham keeps his eyes on the prize while heading the ball back to team-mate Willian

Chelsea are hoping to get back to winning ways against Lille, after losing their opening Champions League group clash with Valencia.

The La Liga giants took slender victory upon their visit to Stamford Bridge, courtesy of a late strike by Rodrigo.