Zouma nears comeback as he completes 90 minutes for Chelsea Under-23s

The France international continued his recovery from a knee injury as he helped the Blues to a victory on penalties against Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma completed 90 minutes as Chelsea Under-23s drew 1-1 against Oxford United, but helped them to a 13-12 victory on penalties by scoring twice.

Marco van Ginkel also completed his first full match since injury with Ola Aina being drafted in by manager Adi Viveash to continue his development in the wing back role that Antonio Conte plays in the first team. 

Zouma lined up in a back three and looked assured and fit as he stepped up his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury he sustained against Manchester United in February.

And he spoke positively about his three appearances with Chelsea's Under 23s as he nears first team action.

"I have been training with the development squad for a couple of weeks and I've enjoyed the experience a lot," he told Chelsea's official website.

"I have been going step by step with my rehabilitation and the games were a good test for me and my knee."

Antonio Conte is expected to bring Zouma into the first team set up on a full time basis from next week as the majority of his players spend time away with their national teams.

Van Ginkel, meanwhile, will remain part of Chelsea's Under-23 side before he finds a loan move in January.