Chelsea was able to manage a draw after a late goal against Manchester United on Sunday, but it may have come at a cost. A scan completed on Monday revealed that defender Kurt Zouma injured his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season, according to The Guardian.
In the 56th minute Zouma jumped to challenge a high ball, but landed awkwardly and spent four minutes on the pitch wreathing in pain before eventually being stretchered off. Zouma is expected to undergo surgery within 48 hours and spend the next six months recovering, according to the Chelsea team site.
Despite his uncertain future, Zouma remained positive on Monday. "Scan today has shown I injured my ACL, I will have surgery this week and will come back stronger," Zouma said on his twitter account.
After replacing English international Gary Cahill as Chelsea's starting center back earlier this term, Zouma was expected to challenge for a spot on France's Euro 16 side, however the injury will leave him off the squad, according to BBC. Zouma's injury leaves a vacancy in Chelsea's back end that is likely to be filled in the short term by Cahill who was vocal about his minutes decreasing in favor of the Frenchman, according to the Telegraph.
The injury also carries long term implications for Chelsea. Team captain and central defender John Terry recently announced the club was unwilling to renew his contact beyond this season, however the uncertain future of Zouma may force the club to rethink Terry's contract, according to the Guardian. Chelsea is suddenly thin on the back line and the 35 year-old Terry may not be as expendable as he was last week, however Terry admitted the club has yet to present him with an offer , according to The Score.
Chelsea is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Manchester City in the FA Cup later this month, but if the club is to advance in these competitions the Blues may find themselves turning to new comer Matt Miazga sooner than initially thought, according to ESPN. Miazga joined the Blues from the MLS in the January transfer window but has yet to start a match for the club due to fitness.
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
