Reece James and Chelsea
16 October 2026
Chelsea captain Reece James faces an absence of about three months after undergoing knee surgery. The 26-year-old defender sustained the injury during training ahead of Chelsea’s victory over Bournemouth, leaving the club without its captain for a demanding run of fixtures.
James is undergoing rehabilitation with Chelsea’s medical team. Although reports indicate an approximately three-month absence, the club has not specified an exact return date. Chelsea face Everton before fixtures involving Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United.