Zouma to miss start of new season

Cape Town - Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has confirmed he will miss the start of the 2016/17 Premier League season as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

The 21-year-old has been out of action since suffering a serious ligament injury against Manchester United on February 7, which ended his hopes of making the France squad for Euro 2016.

Zouma revealed that he is spending up to six hours a day at the Blues' Cobham training complex in a bid to return as soon as possible.

"I am working hard every day, from 10am to 4pm I am working on the knee and on some cardio," he 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."

The centre-back also welcomed the arrival of newly-appointed manager Antonio Conte, saying: "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."