A smiling Kurt Zouma was back at Rush Green this morning following knee injury which had threatened to keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

The central defender marched into the training ground without the aid of crutches or a knee brace which suggests he will be back in action sooner rather that later.

It confirms ClaretandHugh’s reports that he could be ack in much quicker time than many had expected following us having been given news the keyhole surgery was minor.

There was some fear that as the op was on the knee from which has suffered problems since his Chelsea days, he could face a lengthy…ish lay off.

But given the smiles and lack of walking aids as he returned that look unlikely although it would be a surprise were he to appear in Tuesday night’s friendly against Cambridge United although he could be ready for the trip to Udinese on the 10th of the month