Reece James: Chelsea captain out for around three months after minor surgery on knee injury picked up in training

Friday, 16 October 2026 12:53

Chelsea captain Reece James is expected to be out for around three months after knee surgery.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury in training last Friday before Chelsea's 5-1 home win over Bournemouth.

The England international is now set to be out until 2027.

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Chelsea confirmed on Friday morning that James had undergone successful minor knee surgery.

Blues boss Xabi Alonso is set to be asked about James' injury at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.

James has suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, and this is the latest setback that will keep him out of home games against Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as the trip to Manchester City.

He enjoyed a relatively injury-free campaign last season as he made 29 Premier League appearances, the most he made since the 2020/21 season.

It led to James being called up to England's World Cup squad, but he then suffered a hamstring injury at the tournament, which saw him miss three games.

James then recovered to start in the semi-final loss against Argentina.

The Chelsea academy graduate has made six appearances this season, including three Premier League starts.

In March, James signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.