Kurt Zouma says he is happy to take the opportunity to build up his fitness with Chelsea's development squad as he continues his lengthy rehabilitation from a knee injury.
France international Zouma played 90 minutes as Chelsea under-23s came from behind to beat Southampton U23s in a Premier League 2 clash at Cobham on Monday, and is back in full training with the senior squad.
Chelsea are taking every precaution with Zouma, who has been sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in February.
There is also no great need for head coach Antonio Conte to rush Zouma back into senior action; Chelsea went clear at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday and have won six matches in a row without conceding a goal.
"I am very pleased to play another 90 minutes," Zouma told ChelseaTV after the Middlesbrough match. "I need to play, to keep going and to work because I was out for a long time.
"I am very happy to play [for the U23s]. I need game time. I am used to being with the first team, but I am so lucky because I can play with the U23s and with a very good team.
Zouma was accompanied in the Chelsea U23 defence by captain John Terry, who is trying to make his own way back into Conte's starting XI after five weeks out due to strained ankle ligaments.
Terry was typically vocal in guiding his younger teammates until his substitution in the second half, and Zouma was pleased to play alongside the 35-year-old again.
"The skipper [Terry] is still there, he's still sharp and in good form," he added. "He did well [against Southampton U23s]. It's very good to get some advice from him."