Reece James was left hailing the great feeling that he experienced after making his comeback from injury for Chelsea despite their defeat on penalties in the Carabao Cup final.
The England defender had been restricted to the sidelines over the past couple of months having sustained a hamstring injury against Brighton in December.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel left some doubt over whether the right-back would be able to appear at Wembley against Liverpool but having named him on the bench, he was forced to turn to James as Cesar Azpilicueta was withdrawn through a problem of his own.
He was afforded just over an hour of action having come on midway through the second-half and then having played extra-time.
James also made a useful contribution during the penalty shootout as he fired home following a lengthy pause ahead of his kick.
Despite his comeback appearance eventually ending in defeat, James was positive having finally gotten back on the pitch.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “After a long two months out great feeling to be back out there competing again!
“Unfortunate to lose on penalties. We gave everything right until the end. Sometimes that’s the way this crazy game goes. Congratulations to Liverpool. We’ll be back!”
Whilst James was happy to get back to action, his boss Thomas Tuchel also expressed his delight at seeing him back on the pitch and back to his best.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, he said: “Reecey comes in after eight weeks of injury and plays almost in our level.
"I am proud, I have to say. We’re in a good way."
James will certainly be taking another step towards being back to full fitness in midweek with the Blues in yet more cup action - this time by facing Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
