Chelsea Manager Xabi Alonso expressed his disappointment at the latest injury setback for captain Reece James, which has reportedly left him facing a three-month layoff.
The Blues confirmed on Friday that James had undergone minor knee surgery on an injury sustained in training ahead of last week’s 5-1 win against Bournemouth.
Although the club did not give a timetable for his return, subsequent reports have claimed that the England right-back faces another extended spell on the sidelines.
And while he also did not offer a timeframe for James’ recovery, Alonso indicated that it will indeed be an extended absence for the 26-year-old.
Speaking ahead Saturday’s Premier League match with EvertonAlonso said: “We are all disappointed, especially for him. He wanted to start well after the international break, but he got injured.
“The surgery was a success. We are supporting him.
“I wish him the best recovery. We won’t set a time frame but we expect him to be out for several weeks.
“It won’t be short. Whether it’s before or after Christmas, time will tell. You have to do it right.
“We have a great squad to deal with injuries. We have four more games until the next break, so I think we can manage well with the players we have.”
Asked whether Chelsea should sign James as cover in the January transfer window, Alonso said: “I don’t think so, we hope he’ll be back at that time. It doesn’t affect (that).
“He’s still a very important player, he’s the captain, he’s a big influence and hopefully after he recovers from this injury he’ll be available for a lot of games.
“He has a good mentality and we need him.”
As well as losing his versatility to be able to play at right-back and midfield, James’ absence also leaves a leadership void in Chelsea’s squad.
But Alonso has two main candidates to fill that role, adding: “We have Moi (Moises Caicedo), Levi (Colwill), we have players who take responsibility and take the role perfectly.
“They have the support of the rest when they see them with the armband, so it’s not a problem.”
