Chelsea captain Reece James hits out at hateful reaction to latest injury as surgery puts Euro 2024 place in jeopardy
Chelsea captain Reece James has hit out at the 'negative' response to his latest injury as hamstring surgery put his Euro 2024 place in jeopardy.
The right-back has yet again been plagued by injuries this season, with the 24-year-old now facing up to four months on the sidelines.
3
James picked up a hamstring knock on the opening weekend of the 2023/24 campaign against Liverpool, which kept him out of seven Premier League matches.
After forcing his way back into the team in October, he then suffered a recurrence of the problem in the 2-0 defeat at Everton earlier this month.
Posting an update on his recovery, James wrote on Instagram: "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 fix my reoccurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
"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."
It is the seventh hamstring injury that the defender has suffered in the last three years.
The decision was made for James to go to Finland as doctors Sakari Orava and Lasse Lempainen, who operated on Ousmane Dembele, are regarded as specialists in their field.
Most read in Football
3
3
He may now not be back in action until April, which puts his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for next summer's European Championships in jeopardy.
James could require extra time to regain full match fitness given his injury record, while the Three Lions kick off their quest for Euro glory against Serbia on June 16.
Reece James announced as new Chelsea club captain over Thiago Silva following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta
James missed the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury, with the ex-Wigan loan star to now potentially miss another major tournament.
The 2021 Champions League winner is already not a first-team starter under Southgate, with Kyle Walker and Kieran Tripper preferred instead.
And Southgate also has Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White and Tino Livramento at his disposal.
James' absence will now see Malo Gusto be given another extended run for the Blues, with the Frenchman impressing since joining from Lyon.
Topics