Azpilicueta eyes James’ place after ending two-month Premier League exile at Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta has warned Reece James that he intends to nail down a place as Chelsea’s right-back after ending a two-month exile from Premier League competition.

The Blues’ club captain returned to Frank Lampard’s side for a 3-0 victory over London neighbours West Ham.

James sat out that contest with a knee complaint and is yet to be ruled into contention for another derby clash with Arsenal on Boxing Day.

It could be that Azpilicueta is included from the off again in a meeting with the Gunners, with the experienced Spaniard not about to give up his spot without a fight.

His outing against the Hammers was a first in English top-flight competition since a 0-0 draw at Manchester United on October 24, with the 31-year-old having had to make do with Champions League minutes since then.

He is now looking to become a mainstay once more, with Azpilicueta telling Chelsea’s official website: “It was good to be back.

“I’ve been playing more in the Champions League but it’s true that in the Premier League, I haven’t been involved since Old Trafford.

“It has been a while but my job is to work hard to improve every day and, whenever the manager needs me to step up, do the best job I can. To win was important and we did well.”

Victory over West Ham has helped to keep Chelsea in title contention, as they sit fifth in the table, with Azpilicueta taking plenty of positives from a convincing success.

He added: “The way they play, they put you under pressure. At only 1-0, the game was open and we had to suffer.

“When you come from two defeats, you have to recover that spirit of winning and we did that.

“We know we can improve our game but from the mental point of view, and how we defended all together the crossing of balls and the set-play settings, we did well altogether because they are one of the best teams in England on that.”

Chelsea are expecting another tough test from Arsenal, despite the Gunners’ struggles for form this season, with Lampard’s men looking to exact revenge for the FA Cup final defeat they suffered to Mikel Arteta’s side in August.

“We were obviously disappointed with that result but now we’re four months later, it’s a different competition and a new game,” added Azpilicueta.

“They are not in their best form but we know their qualities and that they have dangerous players so we have to cope with that.

“We respect them and we know it’s going to be tough but we need points so hopefully we can go there and play our game. We have the confidence and belief to do that and obviously we will try to get the points.”