Our captain was speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League, where the Blues will be aiming to return to winning ways after our seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions came to an end at Leeds United in midweek.

James missed that match at Elland Road, but shone in a midfield role in the previous game, a 1-1 draw with league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and insisted he has no preference on that role or his more familiar full-back position.

‘I don’t really have preference to be honest,’ he said. ‘I’ve played so much in both now, maybe if you asked me a year ago I probably would have had a preference, but the more I’ve kind of played half-and-half in both roles, I’m just happy to be back on the pitch and helping the team.’

Enzo Maresca has echoed that sentiment about being glad to be able to call on his skipper regularly again, following a difficult period of injuries for the 25-year-old.

James has made 17 appearances for Chelsea already in 2025/26 and had featured in every Premier League game before the midweek trip to Leeds, giving him increased confidence when it comes to those injury problems, having learned some important lessons.

‘I feel very strong at the moment, playing consistently helps a lot,' he said. 'Start and stop, with the injuries, it's hard to find a rhythm. Good form and good performances come from consistency and being available week in, week out. I'm finally stringing a decent period together.

‘I wouldn't say there's much difference in what I’m doing now. I just think I understand my body a lot better now than maybe two years ago.

‘For sure it was it was tough. It was a long period with many set-backs, a lot of disappointment, and at the time it's difficult to look past it and understand it. I think it's definitely had a positive effect, even though it was a negative situation.

‘It was just about time. Time and understanding mistakes. I learned things throughout – different rehabs, how to do things, what helped, what didn't help. Just trying to piece the puzzle together, I guess. It’s getting there now.’

Another player the Blues are delighted to welcome back to the pitch following injury is Palmer, who came off the bench at Elland Road to make his first appearance since September.

While the forward still needs time to return to full fitness, his presence in the matchday squad is a big boost for the Blues.

‘He's an amazing player and an amazing person as well,’ added Reece. ‘He's quite reserved but he has a funny side to him as well. He's had a decent period [of time] sidelined now and we're happy he's back with us.

‘I think he has the ability just to score two goals from nothing. There are very few players who have the ability just to make something out of nothing and he has that.’