Mark Cucurella returned from injury against Newcastle and said he was “really happy” to be able to help Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has been out of action since injuring his ankle against Everton last December.
The former Brighton man returned to the starting line-up on Monday night for his first start of the year,
playing the full 90 minutes as the Blues secured a deserved 3-2 victory.
Cucurella has been working hard to regain fitness and his return is a timely boost for Mauricio Pochettino,
with Ben Chilwell set to be sidelined again with a knee injury.
After Monday’s win, the left-back said his return was tough but he was happy to be able to help the team again.
“It’s not easy to be an injured player, it’s difficult,” the Spaniard told the club’s official website.
“I worked hard and tried to put everything into my work.
I’m very happy to have the opportunity to play and to help the team and stay on the field. I hope this is the first of many games.”
“I think the team played very well. Although we had the upper hand in the match, we easily conceded two goals,
so I think we need to improve on that. We deserved the win and I’m very happy for the team.”
Cucurella is likely to get another chance to impress in the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
“I worked hard and tried to put everything into my work. I’m very happy to have
the opportunity to play and to help the team and stay on the field. I hope this is the first of many.
“I think the team played very well. Although we had the upper hand in the match, we easily conceded two goals,
so I think we need to improve on that. We deserved the win and I’m very happy for the team.”
The defender was pleased with the positive result but admitted Cucurella needs to continue developing ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final match against Leicester City.
