Reece James looks on during Chelsea's match against Hull City
Chelsea have announced that captain Reece James has suffered a knee injury that has forced him to undergo surgery.
The Blues confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement on Friday, revealing James picked up the issue in training.
2Chelsea captain James has suffered yet another injury, this time in training, that has forced him to undergo surgeryCredit: Getty
"Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery," the club wrote.
"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."
How long will James be out?
James has not played a game for the Blues since September 12, missing out on the last two Premier League matches.
He also missed out on being called up to the England squad after picking up a thigh issue following a positive start to the season.
The right-back had played six games for Chelsea up until his injury, with a new setback now seeing him back on the sidelines.
Martinez's outburst 'triggered by Man United team selection' in new revelationArsenal star feared he would have to retire last season due to injuryLiverpool told to instantly sell one of worst signings in Premier League historyHaaland told he must leave Man City for Premier League rivals in January
talkSPORT understands that James is not expected to be back playing for around three months.
The club will not rush the 26-year-old back prematurely.
2James hasn't played for Chelsea since September 12, missing two games and not being called up to the England squadCredit: Getty
Reece James' injury nightmare continues
Already this season, James has been injured for 30 days and counting, adding to his continued injury nightmare.
Last campaign, he had three separate issues, including with his hip and hamstring, and missed 14 games for club and country.
The hamstring injury saw him almost miss out on the World Cup - but thankfully for him, he was called up, albeit to then pick up another injury.
The year prior, the Chelsea skipper missed 25 games with two hamstring injuries that occured almost back-to-back.
James had had hamstring surgery before those issues, with the procedure seeing him sit out for 152 days in 2023/24.
Meanwhile, in the 2022/23 season, he suffered a knee injury that saw him miss two months of action after another hamstring problem the season before had him sidelined for 50 days.