THE news that Chelsea captain Reece James had successful surgery came as a bitter-sweet update for Blues fans as they’ll be without their skipper for a good while.
James, who suffered a knee injury during training, looks set to miss the next 22 games and the rest of the year following surgery.
It’s the latest setback in James’ long history on the treatment table and the second time he has required surgery.
released the on Friday and wished him a speedy recovery.
And everyone associated with Chelsea is likely doing the same thing as they look to be without him for a crucial period of the season.
James is expected to sit out all the way until the end of January 2027, meaning the Blues will negotiate the brutal winter period with one major player less.
Chelsea fans have become accustomed to seeing their team struggle during the December months, following multiple turbulent Christmas-times in recent years.
The West Londoners went five games without a win between December 20 and January 1 last season, in a period which also saw manager leave the club.
And it was similar the season before when Chelsea took two points from four Prem games between December 22 and January 4.
So while Blues fans might be optimistic about ending their tendency to flop during the winter time under new boss , they will have to make amends on previous years without one of their best players in James.
Despite almost every game being a test in the modern Premier League, James will miss a host of huge clashes across multiple competitions.
Having already missed Chelsea’s on Sunday, James will miss matches against the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool twice, and Maresca’s Man City.
