Blues captain sets his sights on Champions League return following successful comeback | OneFootball

Reece James has outlined his aim to get Chelsea back in the Champions League as soon as possible following a successful return to action against Nottingham Forest.

The Chelsea captain made an instant impact from the bench as he provided a brilliant cross for Nicolas Jackson’s winner within three minutes of coming on.

The win was a huge boost to the Blue’s hopes of qualifying for Europe, and saw them move level on points with Newcastle in sixth following their draw against Brighton.

James sets his sights on the Champions League

It was great to see James back on the pitch after missing five months with a hamstring injury that required surgery.

He showed the quality that had been missing and what he brings to the team, despite Malo Gusto doing very well in his absence.

Despite a topsy turvy season the Blues can still secure Europa League football, but James has higher ambitions than that and insisted Chelsea must get back in the Champions League.

James had a successful return to action against Nottingham Forest.

“We’re learning every day”, James said in quotes picked up by The Evening Standard.

“We’re still young and during the season we’ve had a few off days, but on the whole we’ve improved and we’re coming strong towards the end of the season.

“Europe is one of the highest levels in club football and we’re one of the biggest clubs in club football, so we want to be pushing each season to be knocking on the door for the Champions League, that’s the aim.”

The 24-year-old also revealed how he was desperate to return to action before the end of the season.

“That’s the first time I’ve played this year, I was just determined to get back before the end of the season, be in a good shape to help the team and I’m glad I was able to do that today.

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“It’s been a slow process for me to get back to this stage, Initially we thought we would be looking at around three months out so to then be out for nearly five was really difficult for me to process in my head.

“There were some long days for me but that’s part of the process, now I’m just glad to be back fit and able to help the team.

James should get an opportunity to get more minutes under his belt in the final two games against Brighton and Bournemouth as he looks to build his match fitness.