Zouma set for return to first-team training

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is expected to return to first-team training next week.

The Frenchman is stepping up his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered against Manchester United in February.

Blues boss Antonio Conte revealed Zouma had been training with the Under-21s this week and has plans to rejoin the first team soon.

“I am waiting on him,” Conte said. “This week he came back to the training sessions with the Under-21s and next week I want him to come with us and start a new life for him!”

Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic are short-term injury concerns.

Both missed the win over Leicester last weekend after returning from the international break with muscular injuries and have been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Manchester United.

Fabregas’ injury has particularly baffled medics, as he has tweaked a part of the thigh that does not normally succumb to injuries.

Conte said: “I hope to have the whole squad very soon and to have the problem of making [selection] decisions.”