Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, has opted for surgery to address his recurring hamstring injury, marking his third serious setback of 2023. Seeking input from various specialists to determine the root cause and the most effective solution, James, along with manager Mauricio Pochettino and club officials, has agreed to the decision.
The right-back is slated to undergo the operation in Finland, anticipating a recovery period of up to four months. An April return would thrust James into a race against time to prove his fitness for Euro 2024, commencing on June 14 in Germany. Notably, he missed the latest World Cup due to a similar issue.
Under Pochettino’s leadership, James has made only nine appearances in all competitions. Axel Disasi, typically a center-back, has deputized on the right, while the promising Malo Gusto may see increased opportunities following an impressive performance in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United.
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In the absence of James, 17-year-old Josh Acheampong could provide additional support, having garnered attention across various youth levels. The defensive challenges extend to the left side, with Marc Cucurella confirming his recent surgery on social media, potentially sidelining him for several months. Meanwhile, vice-captain Ben Chilwell is anticipated to make his return in January after a three-month absence due to a hamstring issue of his own.