Kurt Zouma to return after international break?

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has reportedly decided to include Kurt Zouma in the squad for the Premier League fixture away at Middlesbrough.

The French international has not featured for the Blues since suffering a serious knee injury against Manchester United in February but he has stepped up his recovery with the Under-23 side.

Zouma contributed to Chelsea's penalty-shootout win over Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night, and according to the London Evening Standard, that has convinced Conte to reintroduce the defender to first-team action.

The 22-year-old is unlikely to be given an immediate return to the starting lineup due to Chelsea's recent form at the back, but he could make an appearance on the bench for the game at the Riverside Stadium on November 20.

Chelsea currently sit in second position in the standings.