Chelsea captain Reece James has confirmed he has had surgery on his injured hamstring and revealed that he has received “significantly more hate and negativity” than support.
Telegraph Sport understands that James had decided to go under the knife in Finland and is now set to miss at least three to four months.
James later confirmed he had undergone surgery on the injury he suffered at Everton earlier this month and that he now faces a physical and mental recovery from his latest setback.
It is understood that world-renowned specialist Lasse Lempainen, who has operated on a host of sports and football stars, performed the surgery on James.
On Thursday evening, James posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram with a message that read: “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 to fix my recurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally. 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. Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece.”
Estimates put James’ absence at three to four months, which means his participation in next summer’s European Championships with England is already in jeopardy.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne underwent hamstring surgery in August and is now ready to return after four months out.
James made himself unavailable for Gareth Southgate’s last England squad as he attempted to concentrate on his fitness with the Three Lions manager warning there was not much time to impress before the European Championships.
Having missed the World Cup in Qatar through injury, James is desperate to play in the Euros but England now have only four games remaining before the tournament and James’ latest injury puts him at a big disadvantage.
Southgate was at Goodison Park to see James forced off against Everton and there will be major concerns over his fitness even if the Chelsea academy graduate returns to play before England’s next games in March against Brazil and Belgium. James is already behind Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Southgate’s pecking order.
Confirming his injury in a statement, Chelsea said: “Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton.
“The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury. Reece will now begin his rehabilitation programme at Cobham.”
