Kurt Zouma won’t be ready for the start of the new Premier League season but is feeling confident about his chances under incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
The French defender suffered a terrible knee ligament injury in February which crushed his dream of representing his country at this summer’s European Championships.
Having undergone surgery to fix the problem, Zouma continues to work his way back towards fitness at Chelsea’s Cobham training complex in Surrey.
He had established himself as a first-team regular under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink but now faces the prospect of having to prove his worth to another manager.
Italy coach Conte will arrive after the Euros in Zouma’s homeland but the challenge does not scare the Frenchman as he keeps moving along the comeback trail.
“I am working hard every day, from 10am to 4pm I am working on the knee and on some cardio,” Zouma told the Daily 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.”
Zouma admits it will be a strange feeling to see his former boss Mourinho sitting in the Manchester United dugout next season after the Special One’s appointment.
And the reunion with the Special One will be one of the first games Zouma looks out for when the Premier League fixtures are released on Wednesday.
“It’s crazy to see Jose at Manchester United,” he added. “The Premier League is the best in the world.
“The best managers in the world are all here. It means every game will be even tougher. There will be many great games.
“It will be strange to play against Manchester United with Jose as their manager. That’s the life of football.
“I hope he does well there. But of course I hope he loses against Chelsea . Jose sent me a text to say good luck when I was having my operation.”
