Chelsea captain Reece James undergoes knee surgery

Updated Oct. 16, 2026 5:17 a.m. ET

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone knee surgery, the Premier League club said Friday.

Chelsea described the procedure as minor, but did not confirm the precise nature of the injury, which was sustained during a training session.

England defender James has endured a slew of injuries involving his knee and hamstring. A hamstring problem ruled him out of part of the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea did not say how long it would take before the 26-year-old James would be back in 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,” it said in a statement. “Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return.”

Chelsea, which is sixth in the league, travels to Everton on Saturday.

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