Reece James has detailed his and Ben Chilwell's mentality as they both look to bounce back from missing England's World Cup campaign in Qatar.
James suffered a knee injury in Chelsea's win at AC Milan back in October and it ultimately ruled him out of the World Cup despite his best efforts to get himself ready. Meanwhile, Chilwell, also against Milan but in the home game, picked up a hamstring injury and has also been sidelined for the international tournament.
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter this week provided an update on the injured duo as they both near their return to action. James is more advanced in his rehab than Chilwell as it stands.
READ MORE: How Kylian Mbappe nearly joined Chelsea as England prepare for PSG star in France World Cup test
"Reece is not quite fully training but he's integrating into training along with Wesley [Fofana]," Potter explained to the club website. "Wesley is a little bit further behind but not too far.
"Ben has come back from his individual work in Dubai and he's now working closer with the guys. But he's still not in team training."
Missing a major tournament for your country can obviously take its toll mentally. James, though, knows him and Chilwell have no choice but to put it behind them and try and take the positives from the situation.
"Last season we got injured at pretty much the same point and it's not ideal, it's definitely not what you want," James explained to the club's official website. "Especially as we both missed a major tournament as well but you can only deal with the cards you got dealt. It's tough and we have to accept it and look at the positives."
James has also explained how it feels to be back out on the pitch with his Chelsea teammates. The Blues are currently in Abu Dhabi conducting a warm weather training camp and will also take on Aston Villa in a friendly on Sunday.
"It's been a while," James said. "Before getting back out here it's been frustrating, missing the World Cup and then it taking longer than I first hoped. It's good to be back with the team.
"It was my first session today which was light contact. It's good to be back in a nice place with good weather.
"It definitely helps [being around the squad whilst recovering] but it comes from within. Everyday is tough, especially when you're trying to get back out there and fight for your team, do your best. It's a struggle sometimes but coming towards the end of it you start to see light and that's when good things happen."
James will be hoping to get himself fit and ready for Chelsea's first Premier League outing following the World Cup against Bournemouth. The Blues welcome the Cherries to Stamford Bridge on December 27 as the hectic club schedule returns to our television screens.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea have a secret weapon in their bid to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to Jude Bellingham
Chelsea benefit from World Cup opportunity Graham Potter must make most of when season restarts
Memphis Depay one of three summer transfers Chelsea can secure for Graham Potter in January
Why Mateo Kovacic shouted at Josko Gvardiol as Chelsea face crowded path to £90m transfer
Graham Potter faces difficult decision with major Thomas Tuchel strength now a Chelsea problem
