Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone surgery on a knee injury. The club announced on Friday that James, who has regularly dealt with injury issues in his career, had a successful minor procedure.England defender James suffered the injury in training and was forced to miss Chelseas 5-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday, with surgery deemed the best course of action.Chelseas statement read in part: Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the clubs medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase.The club did not give a timeframe for the versatile right-backs return.His absence further limits Chelseas options in midfield, where James has played regularly in recent times.While Chelsea have Marco Palestra and Malo Gusto to fill the void at right-back, James injury leaves them with only four senior options in central midfield in the form of Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco.Xabi Alonsos men face Everton in Saturdays early Premier League kick-off. A win would at least temporarily move Chelsea into the top four. Topics Chelsea F.C. Premier League If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Newcastle boss Jaissle backs amazing Fernandez-Pardo after Coventry struggles Nicholas McGee 15th October, 2026 Everton v Chelsea: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 15th October, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27 : Bruno Fernandes among five players to either sell or avoid in Gameweek 7 Jon Fisher 15th October, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27 : Manchester City duo headline five players to consider ahead of Gameweek 7 Blake Hurst 15th October, 2026 Independent Football Regulator warns most English clubs are living on financial brink 101 GreatGoals 13th October, 2026 The Premier League Sack-o-Meter: Who is in danger with six games gone? Jon Fisher 13th October, 2026
