‘Good to be back’: Kurt Zouma makes first Chelsea appearance after nine month injury layoff

Kurt Zouma, left, sustained his lengthy injury during the 1-1 Premier League match against Manchester United in February. Alex Livesey / Getty Images

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has made his long-awaited return to football after nine months out with injury.

Zouma, 21, has been sidelined since February after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury when he landed awkwardly in a Premier League match against Manchester United.

The France defender was given a 45 minute run-out for Chelsea’s Under-23 side against Derby County on Monday night, and with the reserve team mirroring Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation, got a glimpse into what he can expect upon his return to the first team squad.

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While the sight of Zouma returning to action will be welcome news to Chelsea, his return was not entirely successful. Zouma gave away a penalty in the 35th minute after mistiming a challenge on Charles Vernam. However, it will be minutes, more than performance, that are more important at this stage of Zouma’s rehabilitation.

Zouma took to Twitter after his first game back to thank Chelsea fans for their support.

Chelsea’s next fixture is a League Cup tie on Wednesday against London rivals West Ham United.

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