Reece James on feeling stronger plus thoughts on Cole Palmer's return

Reece James believes that he has learnt a lot from the difficult experiences of his injury problems and feels that he is able to put those troubles behind him now. The Blues skipper also explains his thoughts on Cole Palmers return to the pitch and explains why this is such a big boost for Chelsea. 

Chelsea's Reece James celebrates a goal 

The Chelsea skipper spoke ahead of tomorrow's trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth in the premier league, where the Blues hope to return to winning ways after seeing a 7 game unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-1 midweek defeat away at Leeds United. 

James missed the midweek defeat at Elland Road, however shone playing in a midfield role during Chelsea's 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal and insists that he has no preference as to whether he plays in the midfield or in his familiar full back position. 

When asked about this the James said " I don't really have a preference to be honest". I've played so much in both positions now, maybe if you had asked me this a year ago I would have said that I had a preference, but the more that I have played in both roles the more I feel I have played half and half ,  He went onto add " I am just happy to be back playing on the pitch and helping the team win."

Reece James also provided an in-depth interview where he sat down with the premier league to talk about the season so far along with his current form and his future ambitions.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca has also echoed sentiment about being able to regularly call on his skipper again, following a difficult and frustrating period of injuries for the 25 year old. 

James has already made 17 Chelsea appearances already this season and has featured in every premier league game prior to the midweek defeat away at Leeds, which gave him increased confidence when it comes to sustaining injury problems, having learnt some important lessons along the way. 

When asked about this James said " I felt very strong at the moment. Playing consistently helps a lot. With the constant start and stop and the injuries it can be difficult to find a rhythm. Both good form and performances come from being consistency and being available week in week out. I'm finally stringing a decent period together. I wouldn't say there is much difference in what I am doing now. I think I've just understood my body a lot better now than what I did two years ago. 

"For sure it was tough. there were long periods of setbacks and disappointments and at the time it was difficult for me to look past and understand it. I think it definitely had a positive effect, even though it was a negative situation. " 

" For me it was all about time and understanding mistakes. I learned a lot of things throughout different rehabs, how to do things, look at what helped, what didn't help. I was just trying to piece the puzzle together I guess, its getting there now. 

Another player that Blues fans will be delighted to see the return of is Cole Palmer, who came off the bench midweek away at Leeds to make his first appearance since September.

Palmer in action against Leeds 

Though the forward will need time to return to full fitness his presence in the matchday squad is such a massive boost for the Blues. 

When asked about Palmer James said " He's an amazing player and an amazing person as well". He's someone who is quite reserved however, he has a funny side to him as well. He's had a decent period of time side-lined out now and we are very happy to have him back with us. 

" I think he has the ability to be able to score a couple of goals from nothing. There are very few players who have the ability to make something out of nothing."