Azpilicueta ready to reclaim Chelsea right-back spot from James

The experienced Spaniard marked his first Premier League appearance in two months by playing against the Blues’ London neighbors.

Cesar Azpilicueta is determined to re-establish himself as the No.1 choice for the right-back position at Chelsea.

The 31-year-old has been allowed very limited time on the pitch lately with Reece James being preferred by manager Frank Lampard.

James has been involved in 12 of his side’s 14 Premier League games and started in 11 of them. However, a knee problem forced him to miss Tuesday’s outing against West Ham United.

Azpilicueta’s last involvement in a league game came in the goalless draw against Manchester United back in October and he ended his two-month exile by playing all 90 minutes of the 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

“It was good to be back,” the Chelsea captain, who has been limited to just four league starts so far this season, told the club’s official website.

“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.”