The Welsh international has not started a Premier League match since August, having first been forced off during Leeds' 1-0 defeat at Fulham on September 13 before suffering an ankle injury in training. His absence from Wales' October fixtures prompted fears of a long-term setback, though those concerns were quickly dismissed by manager Craig Bellamy and Leeds' medical team.

James eventually missed just three weeks of football and has featured as a substitute in Leeds' last four league matches. With fans calling for him to replace Brenden Aaronson in Daniel Farke's starting line-up, the 28-year-old believes he is now close to full sharpness.

"It is frustrating, but that's part of football and you've just got to do everything you can to get back on the pitch," James said while on international duty. "I'm just happy that I'm fit and healthy now and ready to go. I feel in a really good place at the moment.

"I'm working hard in training and mentally I'm always ready to make a difference, whether I'm starting or coming off the bench."

James' return comes at a crucial time for both Leeds and Wales. Leeds are looking to reignite their attacking threat after a mixed start to the campaign, currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table with 11 points from 11 matches.

Meanwhile, Bellamy's Wales side are preparing for two decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers on November 15 away to Liechtenstein and November 18 at home to North Macedonia.

Wales currently sit three points behind North Macedonia in Group J's play-off spot with 10 points from six matches. Victories in both matches would guarantee second place and progression, while four points would also be enough if one win comes against North Macedonia.

Reflecting on Wales' challenge, James added: "We went toe-to-toe with Belgium last month, and we've just got to build on that. There's no easy pathway to the World Cup, but we're not looking past Liechtenstein. We have to go into that game believing we can win."

For James, who experienced the highs of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and the lows of missing the decisive penalty in the Euro 2024 play-off against Poland, this international break could mark the start of another redemption chapter, both for him and for Wales.

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