JUST IN: Reece James of Chelsea says he has now…

Reece James, the captain of Chelsea  , says he “hasn’t felt this good in a LONG time” since recovering from a hamstring injury, but he acknowledges that he needs to go “slow and steady” in his recuperation to prevent another setback.

Despite some criticism, Reece James, 23, is often considered as one of the top right-backs in world football.

James has missed eighteen Chelsea games since the beginning of 2023, including several calls-up for international play.

Most recently, the defender suffered a hamstring injury in practice during Chelsea’s opening game against Liverpool, just after he was cleared to play for the 2023–24 campaign.

James was out for nine games before making his Chelsea debut against Arsenal in their London derby. Despite this setback, the 23-year-old has stated he is “feeling good” after helping Chelsea win crucial points recently.

James told his club, “I haven’t felt this good in a long time.” “I can definitely feel my fitness and strength increasing again.”

Even though I can’t play for ninety minutes just yet, I’m working hard in the gym, playing hard, and challenging myself every day to return to my best.

James continued, “I’m happy to be helping the team again as well,” after rejoining the team. It takes time to regain your form and build back up after being away for nearly three months.

Some people believe that when you return, you should immediately be back where you were, but that isn’t how things work.

Chelsea is presently ranked tenth in the Premier League, but James pointed out that the Blues have been playing better lately.

“Over the last five or six weeks, we’ve performed better.” Everyone in the vicinity is content. Our self-assurance is rising. Outcomes support that. It serves as the foundation.

Despite a difficult stretch of games, we have gained some valuable experience. We took the initiative. Now is the time to continue developing this.

They have not lost any of their last four league games against Man City, Arsenal, or Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino.