Reece James Has Knee Surgery as Chelsea Prepare for Everton

Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone knee surgery and will be out for several weeks, manager Xabi Alonso said Friday.

James was injured in training the previous Friday. Alonso said the operation was successful, but Chelsea have not set a date for the defender’s return.

The update came before Saturday’s Premier League trip to Everton. Alonso said there were no fresh fitness concerns, although forward Emmanuel Emegha and winger Jamie Gittens also remain unavailable.

Emegha felt discomfort in Thursday’s training session and is not ready to play. Alonso expects him to train next week, but the summer signing from Strasbourg has yet to make his Chelsea debut.

Gittens was injured while away with England’s Under-21 team. Alonso said the winger remains a few weeks from returning, with no firm date available.

Chelsea enter the Everton match after beating Bournemouth 5–1 at Stamford Bridge. Alonso said James would remain involved with the squad during his recovery because of his influence in the dressing room.