Chelsea duo feature in Under-23 game

Kurt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel played for Chelsea’s development side in a 1-1 draw at Everton on Monday evening.

Both men played an hour of the Premier League 2 game – Zouma’s second outing in the space of a week.

The French central defender is edging towards a first-team return after battling his way back from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in February.

Chelsea are hoping he will soon be available to boss Antonio Conte, who recently spoke of his delight at seeing the popular Zouma back in training.

Van Ginkel, meanwhile, played for the first time this season.

The Dutch midfielder ended last term on loan at PSV Eindhoven and was tipped to join them on a permanent basis during the summer, but a knee problem scuppered any potential deal.

He is expected to move on when the transfer window reopens in January, having been unable to establish himself at Chelsea since his 2013 move from Vitesse Arnhem.

Dujon Sterling scored for Chelsea against Everton’s second string, who equalised with a goal from Harry Charsley.

Sterling, Mason Mount and striker Ike Ugbo all went close to scoring a second goal for the visitors.