Chelsea captain Reece James is set to be ruled out for three months after undergoing surgery on his knee. The 26-year-old missed Chelsea's last two matches either side of the international break after an injury forced him to withdraw from the England squad last month.
The Blues confirmed on Friday that James has undergone a minor knee operation after picking up the injury in training. A club statement said: "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."
Manager's reaction
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who has used James in midfield this term, described the absence as 'disappointing'. "It's not going to be a two or three-week thing, it's going to be longer and after that we will see," Alonso told a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game away to Everton.
"Before Christmas, after Christmas, time will tell. Things have to be done properly so that he feels right and is in the best possible condition."
"It's a disappointment for everyone, for him, but we need to have a squad to deal with injuries. We support him, he will stay close to the team, he's a great influence even when he's not available, and we wish him the best recovery."
Injury history and upcoming fixtures
James previously suffered a knee injury in 2022 that saw him miss that year's World Cup. His fitness improved last season, allowing him to play a prominent role for England at the 2026 edition.
James' injury coincides with a difficult run of fixtures for Chelsea. After facing Everton, the Blues host Tottenham and then Manchester United either side of a trip to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Leadership in James' absence
Levi Colwill has captained Chelsea since James was sidelined, and Alonso is confident he has enough leaders. "We have Moi (Moises Caicedo), we have Levi, we have players who take responsibility and carry that role in a perfect way," the Spaniard said.
"They have the support from the rest and the players respect them when they wear the armband, so it's no bother. Their own personality. Each one is different. Levi is different from Reece, Moi is different, Cole [Palmer], Hendo (Jordan Henderson)."
"Each one is different, Dibu (Emiliano Martinez) as well. That's why it's so important for me to have a mix of personalities, qualities and stages of their careers. I think we're in a good place in that way."
