Chelsea have officially confirmed that team captain Reece James has successfully undergone surgery on his injured knee.

Chelsea’s medical department reported that the procedure was completed successfully and without complications, with the 26-year-old already beginning his rehabilitation programme at the club’s training base in Cobham.

However, Chelsea refrained from giving a specific timeline for the defender’s return, stressing that his recovery will be assessed by the medical team in stages.

Another injury to the leader of the defence comes as a major blow to the coaching staff amid a congested fixture schedule.

Club officials hope that the decisive treatment will finally help the wing-back overcome the persistent pain that has troubled him and regain consistent fitness without the risk of further setbacks.