Kurt Zouma: 'Playing Arsenal is always an important game'

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has said that his side are ready for their Community Shield fixture with Arsenal after two closely-fought pre-season games in the United States.

The Premier League champions have prevailed on penalties against both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, and Zouma has insisted that the two games have been ideal preparation ahead of what he describes as an important match against their London rivals.

The 20-year-old told Chelsea TV: "We are ready. We have a few days to recover and prepare ourselves and we have to be ready for this game.

"Playing against Arsenal is never a small game. It is a derby and it is for a trophy and we want to win everything, and that begins with this game."

Zouma made 26 appearances in all competitions during his opening season at Stamford Bridge.