Chelsea reeling from Kurt Zouma news ahead of Newcastle visit

France defender Zouma injured his anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

And Gary Cahill will return to Guus Hiddink's starting XI for Saturday's game against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

A statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months."

Zouma landed awkwardly early in the second half of the drawn Premier League contest and was carried off on a stretcher. He vowed to return "stronger" on Monday.

The 21-year-old wrote on Twitter: "Scan today (Monday) has shown I injured my ACL. I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages."

Zouma has started 16 of the last 19 Chelsea matches in all competitions, displacing Cahill as first-choice alongside captain Terry.

Cahill, the England vice-captain, will welcome the opportunity to return to the starting XI, even if the circumstances are unfortunate for a team-mate.

Terry last Sunday made his first appearance at Stamford Bridge since declaring Chelsea would not be extending his contract this summer.

The 35-year-old skipper thanked supporters following the draw with United, but said there had been no communication with the club over his future.

The Blues maintain a contract offer could yet be tabled to Terry, who is set to make his 699th Chelsea appearance against the Magpies.