Chelsea captain Reece James has acknowledged that he is not operating at full match fitness as he works through the physical rust accumulated during a short post-season break following England's World Cup campaign.

James featured for an hour in a 3-1 preseason friendly victory over Real Sociedad — Chelsea's final preparation match before their Premier League opener against Fulham — and admitted the condensed off-season left him feeling less than completely sharp.

James reflects on his return to the pitch

Speaking to Chelsea's official website after the match, James described the experience as a positive, if challenging, step forward.