The young French star suffered cruciate ligament damage back in February which has forced him out of the last three months of action this season.  The 21-year-old is also set to miss the European Championship, which France hosts.

While the centre-back’s recovery is ongoing, Zouma has confirmed it remains unclear when precisely he will be ready to take to the pitch once more.

‘I don’t know when I’ll be back out on the pitch but everything is going well,’ Zouma told The Sun.

‘I’m kicking the ball around a bit – I’m not in any pain and I feel good,’ he added.

Queried as to whether he could return before the end of the year, the player replied: ‘I hope so; I think I’ve got enough time to be ready. But I don’t have a precise date.’

Zouma managed 31 appearances for Chelsea this term before suffering his injury.

France, meanwhile, have been drawn alongside the likes of Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A.

Les Blues will open the tournament’s proceedings when they face Romania on June 10.