Blues defender Kurt Zouma has stated that he will not be fit enough to start the 2016/17 Premier League season as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
The 21-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee back in February, and missed the rest of the season and Euro 2016.
The Frenchman played a regular role under both Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink last season, he will remain on the sidelines in Conte’s first campaign in charge, but he is confident that he will come back stronger next season.
“I am working hard every day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., I am working on the knee and on some cardio [at Cobham],” Zouma told The Telegraph. “I won’t be ready for the start of the season, but the doctor is happy with my knee and I’m feeling good. I have to take care and not rush, so I will take my time.
“I am not worried about the new manager coming in. I did well before I was injured. I will speak with Conte and see what he wants from me.
“The new manager wants to do much better than last season and he will bring in new players. That is not a problem. When you are at a big club like Chelsea there is always big competition for places.
“I was happy with myself and I did well when I was playing. Now I have to be ready for next year. I am very happy at Chelsea and I want to show everyone that I will be back even stronger after my injury.
“The new manager will be good for me and for everyone. I am a defender. Tactically I want to learn more. I want to work on that side more. I will be ready tactically.”
