Chelsea handed new Reece James blow as defender prepares for surgery

The England international is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Chelsea defender Reece James is set to undergo hamstring surgery in Finland, sidelining him for approximately four months.

The decision follows specialist assessments conducted on Wednesday, revealing the extent of James’s recurring hamstring problems. This marks the seventh hamstring injury for the Chelsea captain within the last three years.

The surgery, a last resort to address ongoing issues, has implications for James’s Euro 2024 aspirations. The extended lay-off places his chances of participating in the tournament in jeopardy, echoing his missed opportunity at the World Cup in Qatar last year due to knee ligament damage.

Despite the challenges, James is optimistic that the surgery will enhance his prospects for a full recovery, potentially reducing the risk of long-term hamstring complications. Chelsea, in consultation with external advisors and manager Mauricio Pochettino, has prioritized the player’s well-being.

James missed the first two months of the current season after suffering picking up a hamstring injury in August. The 24-year-old suffered a relapse of his injury when he picked up a knock against Everton on December 10.

Chelsea have mainly played with Axel Disasi as their first-choice replacement for James in the lineup. However, the English defender’s new injury could convince the club to sign another right-back in January.