While most of his team-mates are away, striving for World Cup qualification, Didier Drogba has remained at Chelsea to make the final steps to full fitness.

One big stride was taken on Monday night with close on an hour of football in the reserves and after the game, a cheerful centre-forward spoke to Chelsea TV.

'It felt good,' he reported after a 3-2 win in which he set up his side's equaliser following an early goal conceded.

'It was good to play with the boys and win this game. I had good feelings but it is a bit early to say I am in good shape.'

It was a welcome return to team play for Drogba, who has spent many hours working alone, having missed the pre-season tour to Asia and Russia and the start to the new campaign due to a knee problem.

'It is really hard because this is the first time for many years I have been out for three months and it is really difficult to come back.

'I need time but the good thing is the club understand I need time to be fit because they know when I am fit, I will give everything for the team.'

He was by 11 years the most senior member of Chelsea's reserve side at Arsenal but despite the youth of his colleagues, Drogba was impressed with the win, having come off with the score 1-1.

'Arsenal kids played very well but my team came into the game slowly, slowly, step-by-step but then we were fantastic second half and we deserved to win. It is not easy to concede a goal away and come back to win.'

The reserves are next in action on Monday 15 September with a home match against West Ham at Brentford. Chelsea TV will again be broadcasting live.