Alex happy with return

Alex: Feeling good

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Chelsea defender Alex says he pleased with his fitness after recovering from a groin injury.

The Brazilian has been restricted to just two starts and one substitute appearance this season after an operation in the summer, but says he is ready to face Wolves at the weekend if called upon.

The defender made his comeback three-and-a-half weeks ago and completed 90 minutes in the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Bolton and the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

"I am feeling good and I am very happy with my fitness," Alex told the club's official website.

"The last 20 minutes in Madrid I was very tired but I was so happy that I come back to play and I think in my opinion that I played good.

"We drew 2-2 but it was okay, a good result. [Sergio] Aguero was difficult and his second goal, the free-kick, was a very good goal."

The 27-year-old has been building his fitness at the club's Cobham training ground whilst his team-mates have been on international duty, giving manager Carlo Ancelotti a selection headache ahead of the game against Mick McCarthy's side.

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The Blues chief is without full-back Jose Bosingwa and opted to play Branislav Ivanovic at right-back in the 1-0 win over Manchester United a fortnight ago, despite Alex's return five days earlier in the Champions League.

"I don't know if I will play but I hope to help the team on Saturday, or the next games after that," Alex admitted.

"We have a good group and Ivanovic has worked very well when he plays on the right side. All the defenders play very well and help the team."

The former PSV-man described his defensive team mates as "the best in the world", and backed his side to capitalise on their healthy position at the top of the Premier League.

"They mark very well, position very well and we train every day well to put that on the pitch for the game," he said.

"We won 1-0 against Manchester United last game and it was a difficult game but it was good. Now we have more confidence, five points in the lead at the top, and now we have to continue."