Ray Wilkins says N’Golo Kante’s injury shows why Chelsea should have refused to sell Nemanja Matic during the summer.
Matic became an influential and popular figure at Stamford Bridge, helping the club win two titles in the space of three years, but was allowed to join Manchester United in July.
The Serbia international has made an instant impact at Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho’s side have gone through August and September unbeaten.
And Wilkins insists he is ‘annoyed’ and ‘sad’ Matic, 29, left the reigning Premier League champions as he is ‘one of the best holding midfielders in the world’.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Chelsea assistant boss said: ‘I’m annoyed he’s [Nemanja Matic] been allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.
‘Kante has injured himself the other night with his thigh, we don’t know if he will be playing at the weekend.
‘Matic for me is the best holding midfield player, one of the best in the world anyway. I’m very sad that he’s left.’
Kante pulled up in France’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Saturday and left the field in the first-half clutching his left hamstring.
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed after the 1-0 victory that Kante was ruled out of Tuesday’s clash with Belarus – the 26-year-old is also expected to miss the trip to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
In more positive news for Kante, it was confirmed on Monday morning that he was nominated for the 2017 Ballon d’Or award. Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho was also among the first 15 players to be announced by France Football.
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