Chelsea captain Reece James has had surgery in an attempt to fix a recurring hamstring injury.
James was substituted after 26 minutes due to injury in the 3-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park two weeks ago.
It was the first time he had started a game for Chelsea since 25 November after a previous hamstring injury had ruled him out for eight matches.
The 24-year-old said he had experienced “significantly more hate and negativity” since his latest injury.
James posted on Instagram on Thursday: “The footballing world knew I got injured but the procedure I would go down this time took slightly longer to figure out the best solution.”
“I had surgery today to try fix my reoccurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally.”
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino did not give a specific time frame for James’ return during a media conference on Friday to preview Sunday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“We don’t know for sure – several weeks for sure,” Pochettino said. “I don’t know if it is months but the most important thing is to see him here again with us and then assess him day-by-day. “I hope less [than four months]. Hope, hope, hope. That is my wish for the new year. We cannot say because [it will depend how] his body is going to react and heal the damage.”
James suffered his previous hamstring injury during the Blues’ draw with Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season in August and he did not play again until October.
The defenders’ struggles with injuries have been well documented over the past two seasons and since the start of the 2022-23 campaign he has only featured in 24 Premier League games.
He also missed the World Cup in Qatar last year due to knee ligament damage.
“Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity. Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football,” James added.
“Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece.”
Chelsea are preparing for the busy festive period, beginning with an away league fixture at Wolves on Christmas Eve at 13:00 GMT.
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