Kurt Zouma steps up recovery from knee injury by playing for Chelsea Under-23s

Kurt Zouma of Chelsea in action during the Pre Season Friendly match between Chelsea and Fiorentina at Stamford Bridge on August 5, 2015
© Getty Images
Kurt Zouma steps up his recovery from a knee injury by playing for the Chelsea Under-23s.

Kurt Zouma is edging closer to a comeback after he played for the Chelsea Under-23s on Monday evening.

The 21-year-old has been on the sidelines since he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in February.

Last week, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said that he was hopeful of the defender rejoining the squad soon.

It is unclear when Zouma will return to Premier League action, but he played 45 minutes of the U23s' 2-2 draw with Derby County at Aldershot's Recreation Ground.

Despite the Frenchman giving away a penalty, he was pleased to get back on the pitch. After the game he tweeted: "Thanks for all the messages & support - good to be back on the pitch tonight."

Zouma made 32 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season.

Kurt Zouma of Chelsea in action during the Pre Season Friendly match between Chelsea and Fiorentina at Stamford Bridge on August 5, 2015
Read Next:
Conte: 'Zouma nearing injury return'
>

Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City96212091120
2Arsenal96211991020
3Liverpool96212011920
4Chelsea96121991019
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9540134919
6Everton9432138515
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231312114
8Southampton9342118313
9Watford93331313012
10Bournemouth93331212012
11Crystal Palace93241212011
12Leicester CityLeicester93241115-411
13West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom92431010010
14Burnley9315813-510
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham93151017-710
16Stoke CityStoke9234916-79
17Middlesbrough9144711-47
18Hull City9216822-147
19Swansea CitySwansea9126815-75
20Sunderland9027616-102