Kurt Zouma’s injury was one of the most horrifying sights from the weekend’s Premier League action, and now it has been confirmed that the Frenchman will be out of action for at least six months.
Tests done on Zouma’s leg revealed that he has injured his anterior cruciate ligament, which means that he will have to make do with watching from the sidelines for around six month, before he is ready to take to the field again.
While Chelsea FC’s match against rivals Manchester United at Stamford bridge ended in an exciting 1-1 draw, the Blues defender was stretchered off the pitch screaming in pain, after he landed awkwardly while challenging for an aerial duel in the second half.
“Chelsea Football Club’s medical team have diagnosed that Kurt Zouma sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament,” confirmed the club in a statement on their official website. “Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months.”
Zouma himself tweeted about the state of his injury, as messages from well wishers poured in on social media.
Scan today has shown I injured my ACL. I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages ????
— Kurt Zouma (@KurtZouma) February 8, 2016
Zouma’s injury could shape Terry, Cahill’s future at Chelsea FC
With a six-month layoff, it is certain that Zouma will be missing the Euro 2016 later this year. However, this lengthy layoff for one of the brightest young defensive prospects for both Chelsea and France could change the fate of his fellow Blues defenders John Terry and Gary Cahill.
Cahill has reportedly been unhappy at Chelsea, having lost his place in the starting XI to Zouma this season. There have been reports that he wanted a way out of the West London club in January, in order to get more game time to make it to the England squad for the Euro 2016. With Zouma’s injury however, the 30-year-old Englishman is sure to get more games at the club, and this is something that could prolong his time at Stamford Bridge.
Captain John Terry’s case is a bit more complicated, with the 35-year-old claiming that Chelsea FC will not be extending his contract at the end of the season. However, the club might reconsider their decision, considering the lengthy nature of Zouma’s injury. Also, the fact that Terry is one of the best and most experienced defenders around is something that the club may consider while taking a call on his future at Stamford Bridge.
