Reece James will be out injury until at least 2027 after going under the knife in what Chelsea described as 'minor knee surgery'
Reece James has picked up yet another injury for Chelsea
Reece James has picked up yet another injury for Chelsea
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Reece James faces around three months out after undergoing surgery on a knee injury he suffered in training last week.
The Blues captain sustained the injury the day before last Saturday's thumping 5-1 win over Bournemouth and medical tests ultimately confirmed the player's worst fears.
James, 26, has now gone under the knife in what Chelsea described as 'minor knee surgery'. But football.london understands that the versatile right-back, who has also featured in midfield for Xabi Alonso this season, is expected to be out until 2027.
It is a cruel blow for James, who has suffered multiple injuries over the past few seasons and he was among the players to withdraw from England duty during the most recent international break.
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In a statement released on Friday morning, Chelsea said: "Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
"The 26-year-old was absent from Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training. Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
"Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase. Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return."
Speaking after the win over Bournemouth, Alonso revealed that James had 'felt something' during preparations for the Premier League showdown.
The Blues manager said: "Yeah, he felt something, but after we did the tests later in the afternoon. He had some little issues on the knee, so we need to check how long it will be. We will assess it week by week."
Now Chelsea have confirmed the big blow, it means the skipper will miss huge games this year.
The Blues travel to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday, while they also have mouthwatering clashes with Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United this month.
In November they face Sunderland, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, while December sees them go up against Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
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