Chelsea's capped off their pre-season with a win.
The Blues toured Australia and Asia before returning to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a game that saw them beat Real Sociedad 3-1.
Reece James featured against the Spaniards and was asked to play in midfield.
Reece James buzzing for the start of the season
The Chelsea captain put in a solid performance against Real Sociedad despite only recently returning to action following his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
"It was a good performance from the team," he told Chelsea's official website.
"I’m happy to be back out there and the season starts this time in a week.
"The break’s been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there yesterday. The conditions were tough, it was super hot, but I’m feeling good.
"It's still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but yesterday was a good step.
"It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I’m delighted to be back and the new season’s going to be getting under way pretty soon."
Chelsea's first match of the new 2026-27 Premier League season will see them travel to Craven Cottage a week on Monday where they will face Fulham.
Xabi Alonso must manage James well following injury-hit World Cup
Xabi Alonso has a lot in his in-tray including finding a way to make all of his 11 new signings gel. The 44-year-old will also be expected to manage James' fitness better than his predecessors.
James has struggled with reoccuring hamstring problems, with his latest coming while away at the World Cup with England. The right-back was unavailable for Thomas Tuchel for several of the Three Lions' biggest matches, and Alonso will want to avoid a repeat scenario.
The only saving grace following the Blues' failure to qualify for any sort of European football next season is that it means James won't have such a demanding fixture schedule.
The 26-year-old will be tasked with being Chelsea's main right-back in the league and will probably find he's rested during the Blues' earlier FA Cup and Carabao Cup games.
Alonso would be wise to manage the England international's minutes during the opening stages of the season with the focus being to preserve the defender's best form for the latter stages of the campaign.
Chelsea will be aiming to return to the UEFA Champions League next season, and James playing his best football will be key if they're to do it.
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