Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone surgery in an effort to address a persistent hamstring injury. The procedure aims to resolve the recurring issue that has been affecting his performance and availability for the team.
Chelsea's captain, Reece James, underwent surgery to address a recurring hamstring injury that has significantly affected his recent playing career.
This setback came during a challenging period for James, as he had to leave the field just 26 minutes into the game in Chelsea's 3-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park two weeks ago. This marked a concerning recurrence, especially since it was his first start for Chelsea since November 25, after a previous hamstring injury had sidelined him for eight matches.
The 24-year-old defender expressed on Instagram his frustration with the situation, noting the increase in negative attention and hate he has received following his latest injury. James emphasized his desire to return to playing, sharing that the decision to undergo surgery was made after careful consideration of the best course of action for his recurring hamstring issue. He stressed that the recovery process has begun, both physically and mentally.
Chelsea's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, during a media conference, could not provide a specific timeline for James’ return. He mentioned that it would be several weeks at least, without confirming if it might extend to months. Pochettino expressed hope for a quicker recovery, emphasizing that James' return would depend on how his body responds and heals.
James' struggles with injuries have been a recurring theme over the past two seasons. Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, he has been limited to just 24 Premier League appearances. His physical challenges were further highlighted when he missed the World Cup in Qatar last year due to knee ligament damage.
Despite the difficulties, James acknowledged the support he has received, thanking those who have stood by him through both the highs and lows of his career. He emphasized the positive impact of their support on his recovery journey.
As Chelsea gears up for the busy festive period, the team faces the challenge of compensating for James' absence. Their schedule includes an away league fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve. The team and fans alike will be keenly feeling the absence of their captain during this crucial period of the season.
