Chelsea defender Reece James ‘will only need surgery on his knee injury as a last resort’ with Frank Lampard set to rest him for a handful of games as Blues are handed boost over busy festive period
- Reece James has started all of Chelsea’s last eight Premier League encounters
- The 21-year-old has impressed but has been troubled by a persistent knee issue
- James will reportedly be rested rather than have surgery to rectify the problem
- Chelsea are at home to West Ham on Monday and visit Arsenal on Boxing Day
Chelsea startlet Reece James will be rested rather than having surgery on a knee injury, according to reports.
Full-back James, who has started all but two of Chelsea’s Premier League matches in an impressive start to the season, had a scan on a persistent knee issue after Chelsea’s defeat at Wolves on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old will miss the visit of West Ham at Stamford Bridge tonight but is not expected to need an operation, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea defender Reece James has been troubled by a knee issue that sparked surgery worries
The impressive 21-year-old full-back will reportedly be rested rather than going under the knife
James is said to have felt increasing discomfort following a clash with Daniel Podence as his side lost 2-1 at Molineux.
He reportedly felt increased pain and fluid in his knee during training on Saturday, resulting in a scan amid fears that the defender would require surgery.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to deputise for James at right-back at the London Stadium and at Arsenal on Boxing Day.
Academy product James has been ever-present in Chelsea’s last eight Premier League matches, providing an assist in the 3-1 win at home to Leeds earlier this month.
James is said to have had a scan after feeling some discomfort in his knee after a training stint
He scored a spectacular strike to give Chelsea the lead at Brighton and set up Kurt Zouma’s goal to seal a 3-1 win in their opening game of the campaign.
Playmakers Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi remain doubts for the West Ham game, with the Morocco midfielder thought to be out of contention.
Ziyech joined training on Friday following a hamstring injury and is more likely to feature against Arsenal.
Chelsea are aiming to win for the first time in four games when they face a Hammers side lying two places and a point below them in the table.
Blues boss Frank Lampard is likely to leave James out briefly in order to boost his recuperation
