The 26-year-old is beginning rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff after assessments confirmed an operation was necessary. Chelsea have not announced an official return date, but Sky Sports reports that James is expected to be sidelined for around three months and could be out until 2027.
James missed Chelsea’s 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth after sustaining the injury in training ahead of the match. The club confirmed on Friday that the surgery had been successful and said he would continue his recovery at their Cobham training base.
The setback arrives during a demanding run of fixtures for Chelsea. They are due to visit Everton before hosting Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, with a Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool scheduled between the two home league games.
James has repeatedly been disrupted by injuries over recent seasons, limiting his availability for both club and country. The latest problem also follows his withdrawal from England duty during the most recent international break.
His fitness had improved considerably last season, allowing him to play a prominent part in England’s World Cup campaign. The national side reached the semi-finals before winning the bronze-medal match, but this latest knee issue interrupts his progress once again.
Chelsea’s statement confirmed the procedure but did not provide a timetable for his return. The club said the captain had already started his recovery and would receive support from its medical department.
The absence of James removes an experienced leader from the squad at a time when the fixture list offers little respite. His ability to operate at full-back, wing-back or in midfield has given Chelsea tactical flexibility, making the length of his recovery important to the team’s plans.
His versatility has been especially valuable during a season in which Chelsea must balance domestic league commitments with cup football. Without their captain, the coaching staff will need to consider how best to cover his responsibilities across the coming weeks.
For now, rehabilitation takes priority over setting a precise comeback date. Chelsea will monitor his progress, while the expected three-month absence would leave the club without their captain for a substantial part of the season.