Chelsea confirm successful surgery for injured captain James

Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone successful knee surgery after medical assessments confirmed he required an operation, the Premier League club have announced.

The England international, 26, has missed Chelsea's last two league matches after sustaining an injury during training, with the club confirming that he has already started his rehabilitation.

James was unavailable for Chelsea's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge last weekend, having also missed their 3-0 defeat by Brentford.

"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.

"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 announcement means Chelsea will have to monitor the defender's recovery as they continue their Premier League campaign. The club have confirmed that James is receiving support from their medical team at Cobham, where he will undergo rehabilitation following the procedure.

James is a key figure for Chelsea, captaining the side and representing England at international level. His absence comes during a period in which the London club are attempting to maintain their position in the league standings.

Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League and are preparing for Saturday's away fixture against Everton.

The Blues will travel to face Everton after recording contrasting results in their previous two league outings. They were beaten 3-0 by Brentford before responding with an emphatic 5-1 win over Bournemouth.

James missed both matches, with the club initially carrying out medical examinations after the injury he sustained in training. Those assessments led to the decision that surgery was necessary.

Chelsea have confirmed that the operation was successful and that the defender has begun the process of recovering. However, the club's announcement did not specify when he is expected to return to action.

His rehabilitation will be overseen by Chelsea's medical department at Cobham as he works towards a return to fitness.

For Chelsea, the immediate focus remains on their upcoming league fixture against Everton, with the team looking to build on their victory over Bournemouth and strengthen their position in sixth place.

James's progress through rehabilitation will be closely followed as the club manage his recovery following surgery.