Highly-rated Chelsea star set to star in U-23 side’s Checkatrade Trophy tie

Kurt Zouma is set to feature for Chelsea’s Under-23 side tonight as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The 22-year-old, who has two senior international caps for France, is poised to play against League One outfit Oxford United in Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Stamford Bridge.

Zouma, who required surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during The Blues’ 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United back in February, has already made two Premier League 2 appearances this season.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The centre-half, who joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne back in January 2014 for a reported £12m, told the club’s official website, “It has been very nice to be back because I haven’t played for such a long time.

“I have been training with the development squad for a couple of weeks and I’ve enjoyed the experience a lot. They have some very good players so the training and matches have been very good.

‘I have been going step by step with my rehabilitation and the games were a good test for me and my knee.

“It’s been nice to be with the boys on a game day, travelling with them and trying to give out some good advice to them.”