Chelsea captain Reece James is expected to miss around three months of action after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained during training.
The Premier League club confirmed that the 26-year-old had undergone what it described as a successful minor operation following medical assessments. James has already started his rehabilitation and will receive support from Chelsea’s medical department at the club’s Cobham training centre.
In a statement, Chelsea said: “Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.”
The club added that assessments following the injury confirmed surgery was necessary and that it would support the defender throughout his recovery.
James Missed Bournemouth Victory
James was absent from Chelsea’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge after the injury occurred during training.
His absence raised concerns after he did not travel with the squad on the team coach for the match, despite usually accompanying his teammates when injured.
Chelsea subsequently confirmed that the injury required surgical treatment, ruling him out of the club’s upcoming fixtures, including Saturday’s league trip to Everton.
Levi Colwill captained the side in James’ absence against Bournemouth.
Chelsea Take Cautious Approach to Recovery
James has experienced repeated injury problems throughout his career, with hamstring issues accounting for much of his previous time on the sidelines.
According to Transfermarkt figures, he has missed 842 days of action since breaking into Chelsea’s first team during the 2019-20 season. That amounts to approximately 2.31 years or 99 games for club and country.
With his latest setback expected to keep him out for around three months, Chelsea are not planning to rush the defender back before he has fully recovered.
Manager Xabi Alonso is scheduled to speak to the media at Cobham at 1.30pm on Friday, when he is expected to face questions about James’ condition and recovery timeline.
James’ Injury Adds to Chelsea’s Midfield Concerns
The injury also leaves Alonso with fewer options in midfield at a time when the club has already faced concerns about depth in that area.
James had increasingly been used in midfield rather than at right-back, partly because of his history of injuries.
Moises Caicedo’s return from his own spell on the sidelines provides some relief for Chelsea until January, when the club is expected to consider bringing in at least one additional midfielder.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is among the players Chelsea admire, although his club reportedly want more than £100 million to sell him during the winter transfer window.
Other options available to Alonso include Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, full-back Malo Gusto and young midfielder Reggie Watson.
Chelsea Face Busy Schedule Before International Break
Chelsea travel to face Everton on Saturday lunchtime as they begin a run of league fixtures without their captain.
The club will subsequently face Tottenham, Manchester United and Sunderland before next month’s international break.
James is expected to remain unavailable during the recovery period, with Chelsea focusing on ensuring he is fit before returning to competitive action.
