Reece James will miss crucial matches for Chelsea after knee surgery

Chelsea captain Reece James will be sidelined for approximately three months following successful minor knee surgery. The 26-year-old picked up the injury during training last Friday, just before Chelsea's impressive 5-1 victory against Bournemouth. The club confirmed the surgery on Friday morning, which has led to concerns about his absence from key matches in the upcoming months.

James's injury is the latest in a series of setbacks throughout his career. The England international will miss crucial home fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool, as well as an away match against Manchester City. His absence will be felt as Chelsea navigates a challenging schedule in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.

Despite his injury troubles, James enjoyed a relatively healthy season last year, featuring in 29 Premier League matches, the highest since the 2020/21 campaign. His consistent performances earned him a spot in England's World Cup squad, although he faced another injury setback during the tournament, which limited his participation.

This season, James has made six appearances, including three starts in the Premier League. In March, he signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea, demonstrating the club's commitment to the talented academy graduate. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is expected to address James's situation during his pre-match press conference ahead of their upcoming clash with Everton.

via Sky Sports