Reece James said there is “rust” to come off before he is match fit after being given an extended Chelsea break following England’s run to the World Cup semifinal.
The captain played in the club’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday just four weeks after returning home from North America.
James started the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge alongside new signing and international teammate Morgan Rogers after both players reported for training last week.
Enzo Fernández, the subject of transfer interest from Manchester City, came on as a second-half substitute after he was also given time off following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.
All three missed the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Hong Kong, and ahead of the team’s Premier League opener away to Fulham next Monday, James felt there is work still to do.
“The break’s been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there,” he said. “The conditions were tough, it was super hot, but I’m feeling good.
“It’s still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but it was a good step.
“It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I’m delighted to be back and the new season’s going to be getting under way pretty soon.”
New manager Xabi Alonso last week praised the impact that having the club captain back around the training ground has had.
Alonso has his full squad to work with for the first time since beginning work at the start of July.
“It means a lot coming from a manager and an ex-player of his calibre,” James said. “Hopefully I can give my all for him and deliver when I’m needed most.”
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Also starting in Saturday’s win over the LaLiga side were new signings Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra, whilst Pep Chavarría came on in the second half, as all three players plus Rogers made their Stamford Bridge bows.
“[The squad] have just come off the pre-season tour which was a lot of travelling, a lot of games, but from what I’ve seen everyone’s settled in well and I’m delighted with the group,” James said.
“It’s only been four or five days, it’s been super short but I’m enjoying it very much so far and that’s the same for the boys.”
