Those are the thoughts of ESPN pundit Craig Burley.
Chelsea currently top Group C and a win tonight (7.45pm) would secure them a spot in the last 16 of the competition with two games to spare.
The Blues have been without their midfield maestro Kante since the end of last month, as the Frenchman has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
After a stop start campaign, Conte’s men already find themselves nine points adrift of Premier League table toppers Manchester City.
While Kante has been a big miss, former Blues midfielder Burley thinks the diminutive star should be saved for his old club’s clash against Manchester United on Sunday (4.30pm).
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N'Golo Kante has been out with a hamstring injury
Already it is looking tough as it is, so it is a huge decision.
Craig Burley
“Throwing the balls up in the air I don’t know,” Burley told ESPN.
“When you deal with a hamstring injury and you bring him back too soon, bang he’s out for six weeks.
“If Chelsea lose him again, they won’t make any headway into City’s lead at the top of the table.
“Already it is looking tough as it is, so it is a huge decision.
GETTY
Craig Burley thinks Antonio Conte has a tough decision to make
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“Conte has to listen to the medical staff and the player.
“If he’s not 100 per cent, he doesn’t play and he should save him for the weekend.”
“You can’t afford to lose Kante for another six weeks because they will be toast if that happens.”
