Chelsea captain Reece James undergoes successful knee surgery after suffering an injury in training and begins his rehabilitation

Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone successful knee surgery after sustaining an injury in training, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

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The England international missed Chelsea’s last two league matches, including the 3-0 defeat to Brentford and the 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Chelsea said medical assessments were carried out after James suffered the injury during a training session, with the results confirming that surgery was necessary.

“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 in a statement.

“Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.”

Chelsea added that James had already begun his recovery and would receive support from the club’s medical department at Cobham throughout his rehabilitation.

“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 statement added.

The latest setback is another fitness concern for James, who has endured a series of injury problems during his Chelsea career.

Chelsea head into Saturday’s Premier League trip to Everton sitting sixth in the table, with James now set to focus on his recovery.

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The club is yet to provide a specific timeline for the defender’s return to competitive action.