World · Malaysia Bureau
Chelsea's James faces extended absence following knee surgery
England international Reece James will spend time on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained during training. The Chelsea captain's setback comes as the Blues prepare for crucial matches in their domestic campaign.
LSN Malaysia ·
Chelsea's captain Reece James is expected to miss an extended period after undergoing knee surgery, adding to the club's defensive concerns ahead of a busy fixture schedule.
The England international picked up the injury during a training session last week and subsequently missed Chelsea's dominant 5-1 victory over Bournemouth. Medical assessments confirmed the need for surgical intervention to address the issue.
James has been a cornerstone of Chelsea's defensive setup this season when fit. His absence is likely to see manager Enzo Maresca turn to alternative options to cover the right-back position in upcoming matches.
The exact timeline for James's return to action has not been formally confirmed by the club, though recovery from knee surgery typically requires several weeks. Chelsea will be hoping to have their captain available for selection as the season progresses through its critical stages.
The injury represents another setback for the Blues' squad depth as they continue their competitive push across multiple competitions this term.