Chelsea's Kurt Zouma shouts out after getting injured during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma will undergo knee surgery that will rule him out the rest of the season and the European Championship for France.
The 21-year-old Zouma, who has been capped twice by France, landed awkwardly during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United and injured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Zouma is "expected to be out for approximately six months," Chelsea said Monday.
Zouma has started 16 of the last 19 Chelsea matches, displacing Gary Cahill as first-choice center back alongside captain John Terry, who announced he is not receiving a new contract for next season.
"Scan today has shown I injured my ACL," Zouma tweeted. "I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger."
It is another blow for Chelsea during a miserable season. The team is 13th in the Premier League after winning the title last season.
Chelsea's Kurt Zouma reacts in pain as he lies on the field with an injury after landing from a jump during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
The Associated Press
Chelsea's Kurt Zouma is stretchered off with an injury after landing from a jump watched by his teammate Gary Cahill, 26, waiting to come on to replace him and manager until the end of the season Guus Hiddink, right, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
The Associated Press
Players call for the stretcher after Chelsea's Kurt Zouma was injured during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Associated Press