Reece James
Reece James’ knee surgery has deprived Xabi Alonso of one of his favourite midfield options for just six Premier League games. The Blues captain has been used primarily in central areas by the Spaniard rather than his natural right-back position.
Chelsea have confirmed the 26-year-old has made a successful minor knee surgery following an injury in training. James is expected to be out of action for around three months but Alonso has refused to be drawn on a return date.
The Spaniard made it clear before the season started he saw James as a genuine midfield option. He has praised the England international’s intelligence and awareness. Alonso has backed his compatriot to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
The Spaniard’s words have taken on added significance following Enzo Fernandez’s completion of his £125m move to Manchester City late in the summer transfer window. Moises Caicedo’s return to action has also come at a pivotal moment.
Meanwhile, having made his first start of the campaign in the 5-1 win over Bournemouth, Jordan Henderson has scored his first two goals for the Blues. He has partnered with Caicedo in the midfield and is a strong contender to deputise for James in the coming weeks.
He has also remained fit throughout the campaign so far, providing Alonso with another natural option in the middle of the park.
Valentin Barco is also in contention and younger academy players Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli are also available should the need arise.
The situation has complicated the leadership situation with Caicedo and Colwill expected to share the armband in James’ absence. Alonso has insisted the injury will have no impact on Chelsea’s January transfer business with the expectation he will be back around that time.
Reece James’ Injury History And How It Has Shaped His Career
The latest injury to the Blues full-back is the latest in a long history of problems for the player, who has struggled with fitness since breaking into the first team in 2019. According to Transfermarkt it is the 26th injury of his career and he has missed 145 matches for club and country.
Further problems began soon after his arrival as he missed four of the 20 fixtures he played in across the 2019-20 campaign which was hampered by ankle issues. He then missed the 2022 World Cup through knee injuries and played in just 30 games in 2022-23 before a further 41 were lost in 2023-24.
That campaign was interrupted by surgery for a recurring hamstring problem and his absence played a key part in successive managers having to exercise caution in his use. His role gradually evolved from being a full-back to more regularly featuring in midfield.
The caution was justified last season as he made 29 Premier League appearances, his most since 2020-21. However, he was then laid up with a hamstring injury in March. The latest setback could see him miss more games.