Antonio Rudiger believes he is close to a comeback from injury after featuring in a win against Liverpool in the Premier League 2 on Monday night, but said he needs to regain his match fitness first.
The defender has been out of action for the senior side since April, after picking up a knee injury against Manchester United last season.
And while his recovery has stepped up in recent weeks leading to his first action in four months, he admits he has to be patient with a return.
"I've been back for almost two weeks with the team and I'm feeling better each day, but of course there is still game fitness missing, which is what I need to get better," the defender told the club's website.
"I know I need to be patient. There's no need to rush anything at the moment because we have a long season to go. You have to go day by day and that is what I'm doing.
"I have to test myself before I play in the Premier League. It was good to get back on the pitch because in the game there is no holding back and that is what I need to get better and get fit. I was very pleased and thankful to the development team for having me there.
"I hadn't played any game for three months so I had full motivation and also a desire to play with respect for the young guys. As a senior player, you have to lead by example and with your actions, not just by talking."
Chelsea face a trip to Norwich City up next on Saturday lunch time, followed by a home fixture against Sheffield United at the end of the month.
Manager Frank Lampard has picked a defensive partnership of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen to start Chelsea's two Premier League games so far this season, and faces a tough choice to drop one of the pair if Rudiger does come back for Norwich.
Youngster Fikayo Tomori has so far occupied a place on the bench in Rudiger's absence, following a successful spell with Lampard at Derby County last season.
