Chelsea’s Under-23’s host Oxford United’s senior side in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday evening, looking for their first victory in the competition.
Adi Viveash’s side have tasted defeat in their last two outings, away to Swindon Town and Exeter City respectively, and cannot progress through to the next round.
Oxford on the other hand sit second in the group and can progress with victory over the young Blues.
Kurt Zouma is available for the tie as he continues his recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and is set to make his third appearance for the U23’s, after playing for 45 minutes and an hour respectively in the Blues’ two previous fixtures.
Antonio Conte confirmed last week that the Frenchman would feature, and the 22-year-old told Chelsea’s official website:
It has been very nice to be back because I haven’t played for such a long time. I have been training with the development squad for a couple of weeks and I’ve enjoyed the experience a lot. They have some very good players so the training and matches have been very good.
I’m looking forward to being back in our house, playing with the boys against a good team. It will be a tough game but we’re determined to win. It’s another step for my rehabilitation so I hope to play well and show a good physical performance.
Zouma was forced out with injury following an awkward landing during Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United in February, and has not featured in the Premier League since.
Marco Van Ginkel is also stepping up his recovery from injury, and featured alongside Zouma in the Blues’ last U23 fixture against Everton in the league.
