Antonio Conte: 'Kurt Zouma nearing injury return'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed that Kurt Zouma is closing in on a return from injury.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined for the past seven months after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February.

However, Conte is expecting the French defender back in training next week, and hinted at a possible return to action after the upcoming international break.

"For Zouma, I hope to see him in the training sessions next week. He's in good shape and I hope to see him next week in training, to start counting on him," he told reporters.

"Possibly [he will return after the international break]. Possibly. Probably. We will wait one week more."

Chelsea, who will face Arsenal on Saturday, are currently also without fellow centre-back John Terry due to an ankle injury.