Daniel Sturridge was delighted to step up his return to full fitness with a run out in the Community Shield.
The Chelsea striker has seen his pre-season preparations disrupted by a niggling ankle problem.
The injury kept him sidelined for the Blues' recent five-day trip to Germany, preventing him from getting vital minutes under his belt.
He was, however, able to step off the bench in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday and insists he is raring to go ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
"It is good to get some fitness from the game, and we'll come back in the week and try and put things right," the England U21 international told the Blues' official website.
"The ankle is improving, I still have pain and I only trained twice last week. I wasn't sure if I would be able to go through the pain barrier but my leg is getting stronger every day and in the next few days hopefully I will be able to play without pain."
Sturridge, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City last summer, is also hoping to make more of an impression at Chelsea this season.
He admits he struggled to feet his feet upon arriving in the capital, but feels he is now ready to show his true colours.
The 20-year-old added: "I've been working very hard, as hard as I can and need to to go forward and break into the team to help retain the title and FA Cup.
"I've been trying to impress the manager. In football you need to be patient and hopefully this year my time will come.
"It was a difficult six months when I first joined the club, when I didn't have my family and was living alone, but this season I feel a lot more comfortable, part of the lads and as though I am at home a lot more.
"Players have put an arm around me and I have a good bond, with the younger players especially where we have a bit of banter."
The Chelsea striker has seen his pre-season preparations disrupted by a niggling ankle problem.
The injury kept him sidelined for the Blues' recent five-day trip to Germany, preventing him from getting vital minutes under his belt.
He was, however, able to step off the bench in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday and insists he is raring to go ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
"It is good to get some fitness from the game, and we'll come back in the week and try and put things right," the England U21 international told the Blues' official website.
"The ankle is improving, I still have pain and I only trained twice last week. I wasn't sure if I would be able to go through the pain barrier but my leg is getting stronger every day and in the next few days hopefully I will be able to play without pain."
Sturridge, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City last summer, is also hoping to make more of an impression at Chelsea this season.
He admits he struggled to feet his feet upon arriving in the capital, but feels he is now ready to show his true colours.
The 20-year-old added: "I've been working very hard, as hard as I can and need to to go forward and break into the team to help retain the title and FA Cup.
"I've been trying to impress the manager. In football you need to be patient and hopefully this year my time will come.
"It was a difficult six months when I first joined the club, when I didn't have my family and was living alone, but this season I feel a lot more comfortable, part of the lads and as though I am at home a lot more.
"Players have put an arm around me and I have a good bond, with the younger players especially where we have a bit of banter."
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