Reece James is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in training.
The Chelsea captain was missing from the Blues' win over Bournemouth last weekend and it has been confirmed that he has undergone a small procedure on his knee.
In a short statement released on Friday morning, Chelsea explained James' current fitness situation, saying: "Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee 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. Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
"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 26-year-old has a long history of fitness issues, but managed to play 29 Premier League matches last season -- the third-most of his career -- and had started three of his side's five top-flight games in 2026/27.
We take a look at James' injury record and when he can be expected back on the pitch...
When is Reece James expected to return from injury?
The Standard's Dom Smith is reporting that James might not be seen back in action until mid-January.
"Understand Reece James is not expected back for around three months. Chelsea sources indicating it could be mid-January before we see him. #CFC insist they won’t rush him back," Smith detailed on X.
According to Transfermarkt, this is now the 26th different injury that the England international has suffered throughout his career. This has resulted in James missing 145 matches for club & country, with this latest setback meaning he could be absent for an additional 18 games.
One tentative target for return could be Chelsea's trip to Elland Road to face Leeds on 23rd January.
In the mean time, Xabi Alonso will be without his skipper for key matches against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United in late October and early November. Chelsea also face league leaders Manchester City on 12th December, James surely sidelined for that clash too.
Reece James Injury Record
Season | Days Missed | Injuries | Games Missed |
2026/27 | 30 | 2 | 2 |
2025/26 | 69 | 3 | 14 |
2024/25 | 111 | 3 | 26 |
2023/24 | 207 | 2 | 41 |
2022/23 | 152 | 6 | 30 |
2021/22 | 88 | 4 | 17 |
2020/21 | 41 | 2 | 5 |
2019/20 | 144 | 4 | 12 |
*Stats according to Transfermarkt.com
