Zouma eyes place in Chelsea back three after injury return

Rob Conlon
Kurt Zouma: Defender is close to first-team return

Kurt Zouma: Defender is close to first-team return

Kurt Zouma insists he will be ready to step into Chelsea’s back three whenever he is called upon by Antonio Conte.

France international Zouma is currently building up his fitness after recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered against Manchester United last February.

Since the 22-year-old last appeared for the Blues, Antonio Conte has taken charge at Stamford Bridge and has recently turned the club’s fortunes around by switching to a back three.

And Zouma has allayed fears that he may take time to adjust to the system, having gained experienced of the formation with the club’s under-23s.

“We’ve played with three at the back in the last two games as well, which has been good for me to understand and learn the position a bit better,” Zouma told Chelsea’s official website.

“I’ve not played in that system much in my career but this is what the first team are using at the moment so it was good for me to experience it.

He added: “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.”