Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone successful knee surgery, the Premier League club announced on Friday.
The England international missed Chelsea’s last two league matches after suffering an injury during training, prompting medical assessments to determine the appropriate treatment.
James was absent from Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford and their subsequent 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
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In a statement, Chelsea confirmed that assessments had established the need for surgery.
“The 26-year-old was absent from Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training,” the club said.
“Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.”
Chelsea said James had already begun his recovery and would receive support from the club’s medical department at its Cobham training facility.
“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase,” the club added.
The announcement marks the beginning of a rehabilitation period for the defender, although the statement provided no specific timetable for his return to competitive action.
James has previously faced injury setbacks during his career, making his recovery an important concern for Chelsea as the season progresses.
Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League standings ahead of their scheduled visit to Everton on Saturday.
The club will have to manage its defensive options while James continues his rehabilitation.
The timing of his return will depend on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments. Chelsea have not announced a definitive return date.
