Antonio Conte has insisted that Kurt Zouma’s long-term future is at Chelsea.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who is on a season-long loan at Stoke City, is ineligible to play when the sides meet on Saturday.
Zouma suffered a serious knee injury in February 2016 and was sidelined for 11 months, but he returned to action in the FA Cup tie against Peterborough United in January this year and went on to play a part in Chelsea’s title win
He signed a six-year contract before moving to the Potters in the summer and Chelsea boss Conte says this proves the Premier League champions have faith in the powerful defender.
“The best way for him was to send him on loan and play regularly,” Conte said.
“He renewed his contract with Chelsea for many years – a long contract – and this shows that we trust him. But it was important to send him on loan and to play regularly.
“For Kurt this season it is very important to play after a really bad injury, not a simple injury – he broke his leg in a bad way. It was not a simple cruciate ligament.
“He is playing very well and it is a pleasure for me to see him playing regularly. This way he can improve and can find the best fit. I hope to see him and say hello.”
Zouma joined the Blues from St Etienne in February 2014 and has made 51 starts for the club and a total of 71 appearances, scoring four goals.
This post was last modified on 22/09/2017