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Chelsea captain Reece James has insisted that he ‘hasn’t felt this good in a long time’ having finally recovered from a lengthy lay-off due to injury.

“I haven’t felt this good in a long time,” James told Chelsea’s official website. “I definitely feel my strength and fitness building up again.

“I haven’t been able to play 90 minutes yet, but I’m training and playing hard, and pushing the limits every day to get back to my best level.”

On returning to the squad, James added: “I’m happy to be helping the team again as well. After almost three months out, it takes a while to build back up and find your form again.

“Some people think as soon as you come back you should instantly be at the level you left at, but it doesn’t work like that.”