Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma ruled out for SIX MONTHS with anterior cruciate ligament injury

Kurt Zouma is facing six months out after scans revealed he has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The Chelsea defender landed awkwardly during their draw with Manchester United on Sunday and had to be stretchered off in agony.

Concern: Zouma lies on the ground in pain at Stamford Bridge

Zouma was sent for scans on Monday and it is understood he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will face surgery.

It is a huge blow for Chelsea and for France as he was hoping to be in their Euro 2016 squad.

He tweeted: "Scan today has shown I injured my ACL. I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages."

Agony: Zouma lies on the pitch after sustaining the injury

Chelsea have also put out a statement which read: "Chelsea Football Club's medical team have diagnosed that Kurt Zouma sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament during yesterday’s (Sunday) Premier League game against Manchester United.

"Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months."

Scan today has shown I injured my ACL. I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages 🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Kurt Zouma (@KurtZouma) February 8, 2016

It may also affect Chelsea's plans with John Terry facing the exit door because he has yet to be offered a new deal by the club.

Gary Cahill is also likely to get more regular games as he battles to get a place in England's line-up for the Euros.