Photo: official Chelsea website

Kurt Zouma has not played for Chelsea since suffering a serious knee ligament injury against Manchester United in February. However, the 22-year-old is back to fitness and playing with the U-23 side.

Despite being away from the senior team, Zouma is happy to play for the Chelsea development squad and is willing to wait for his chance.

After playing in a side that a side that included captain John Terry, Cesc Fabregas and £33.1m summer signing Michy Batshuayi against Southampton’s Under-23s on Monday, the Frenchman said: “I am very pleased to play another 90 minutes. I need to play, keep going and to work because I was out for a long time.

“I am very happy to play (for the Under-23s), I need game-time. I am used to being with the first team, but I am so lucky because I can play with the Under-23s and with a very good team.

“The skipper (Terry) is still there, he’s still sharp and in good form. He did well (against Southampton Under-23s). It’s very good to get some advice from him.”

With Chelsea’s defence looking so perfect, it will take a while for Zouma to break through.