Chelsea captain Reece James is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
The 26-year-old sat out last month’s 3-0 defeat Brentford after sustaining the issue, which was not thought to be serious at the time.
Following the international break, however, Blues boss Xabi Alonso revealed he had suffered a setback in his recovery and was left out of the matchday squad for last week’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dealt major Reece James blow ahead of Everton clash
Alonso said James would be assessed on a week-by-week basis, but the club has now revealed that the player has undergone “successful minor knee surgery” to correct the problem.
The midfielder will miss this Saturday’s trip to Everton and may not return to action until 2027.
Kieran Gill reports that James is “not expected to be back playing for around three months” as Chelsea do not want to “rush him back prematurely”.
Update on Reece James: told Chelsea’s captain is not expected to be back playing for around three months; general estimation as #CFC will not rush him back prematurely
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) October 16, 2026
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