Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma hopes he can play again in 2016

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma says he’s not sure when he will be back on the pitch, but hopes to have returned by the end of the year.

The young starlet injured his cruciate ligament in February as he was forced to sit out the last three months of his club’s season, while also missing out on selection for France for this month’s European Championships.

The 21-year-old says his recovery is on track, but cannot give a set date for his return.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back out on the pitch but everything is going well,” Zouma told The Sun.

“I’m kicking the ball around a bit – I’m not in any pain and I feel good.”

When asked if he thinks he will play again before the end of the year, Zouma replied: “I hope so; I think I’ve got enough time to be ready. But I don’t have a precise date.” Kickoff.com