Chelsea captain Reece James is likely to be out of action for three months after undergoing surgery, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Blues star has gone under the knife for minor knee surgery after he picked up an injury in training.
It is a huge blow for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and James appears to have played his last game for the year for the Stamford Bridge club.
Chelsea have no plans to rush him back prematurely, but the 26-year-old could return much earlier than expected.
James last featured for the London club in the 2-2 draw with Hull City last month before the international break.
He did not play in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford and was absent from Saturday’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth.
Chelsea decided that surgery was required following medical assessments, and Alonso will hope he can find a lasting solution in his absence.
James has largely featured in midfield so far this season, playing in the position in four Premier League games and two Carabao Cup appearances.
Jordan Henderson has stepped in following the captain’s unavailability, and the 36-year-old has been impressive.
The former Liverpool skipper weighed in with two goals and one assist in the victory over the Cherries, and he will be keen to keep proving that he still has more than enough in the tank.