Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante admits he needs to be more careful with his injury management.

The Frenchman was back in the Chelsea starting line-up for the win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and played 90 minutes. Prior to then it has been a stop-start time since the end of last season.

"It made me happy because it took a lot of work to get back," Kante told L'Equipe. "At the end of last season I was injured, I was even uncertain for the final of the Europa League against Arsenal.

"I started the season with an ankle sprain. Playing and being stopped and being stopped again. I had to handle a sprained knee and sprained ankle that was a little difficult to treat. These were not the easiest months of my career. But I am now pleased to return."

The 28-year-old admitted he has to think about injuries differently than in the past.

"Maybe when I was young, I could play even when I had a physical problem. I compensated and made sure to be on the pitch in any circumstances.

"Today, I may have to pay more attention to recovery, to take good care of my little worries because over time they can create bigger problems."