Reece James starts rehabilitation after successful knee surgery

Chelsea captain Reece James has begun his rehabilitation after undergoing successful knee surgery, the Premier League club confirmed on Friday.

The 26-year-old England international sustained the injury during training and has missed Chelsea’s past two league matches.

James was not involved in last Saturday’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth while medical examinations were carried out to establish the seriousness of the problem. Those assessments concluded that an operation was required.

“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase,” Chelsea said in a statement.

The club has not set a timeframe for James’ return to action.

The latest injury represents another fitness setback for the defender, who has experienced repeated problems during his Chelsea career. His absence means the club will be without its captain as it attempts to continue its progress in the Premier League.

Chelsea travel to Everton on Saturday sitting sixth in the table.