Kurt Zouma has revealed he doesn't expect to be back playing for Chelsea for the start of the 2016/17 season, but insists he will return stronger than ever before.

The defender has been out of action since suffering a cruciate ligament knee injury in Chelsea's 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United in February before he underwent surgery in Barcelona shortly afterwards.

Zouma was initially expected to be sidelined for about six months but, although he is running again, the 21-year-old doesn't think he will win his fitness race in time to feature for Chelsea when the new campaign kicks off in August.

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

"I am very happy at Chelsea and I want to show everyone that I will be back even stronger after my injury."

Zouma's injury came at a bad time for the centre-back as it robbed Chelsea of one of their best defenders and one who had forged a strong partnership with Blues captain John Terry.

The injury also ruled the 21-year-old out of this summer's European Championships, which Zouma's nation France are hosting.

And while the defender has been following Les Bleus' journey at Euro 2016 closely, he admits he wishes he could be in France to cheer on Didier Deschamps' side.

"Of course I am watching the Euros. I’m a France supporter and I’ll watch every game," he added.

"It’s an important competition and we want to win it. We have the squad to do it. Unfortunately, I cannot get back to France to see any games live because of my rehabilitation."