Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered a new setback, with club sources revealing the defender could be out for as long as three months.
Xabi Alonso would not confirm any definitive timescale in today’s press conference ahead of the Blues trip to Everton tomorrow, but did say that the England international would be out for ‘several weeks’.
According to The Telegraph, James sustained the injury in a recent tactical training session. What is perhaps more worrying though, is that the injury was supposedly non-contact, which means Reece pulled up himself.
Chelsea confirmed this afternoon that he underwent succesful surgery on his knee.
How will Chelsea cope without Reece?
Chelsea are better positioned than in recent seasons to cope without their captain.
While no doubt a cultural miss, with Alonso praising his dressing room impact today, the club do have quality options in both midfield and defence to cope in his absence.
Moises Caicedo recently returned from injury, putting in a fine display against Bournemouth last Saturday, while Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana present solid right sided centre back options.
It was not expected to see James fill one of the wingback spots anyway, but the Blues are also well stocked in that position, with the likes of Pedro Neto, Marco Palestra, Geovanny Quenda and Estevao Willian presenting options.
Will this affect the January Market?
Alonso confirmed that the injury is not expected to directly affect the market.
He said: "I don't think Reece affects January window because we expect around then he will be back, some weeks before or after. He is a great influence even when he is not available"
However, Chelsea are expected to make another approach for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
Club sources have re-iterated their appreciation for the player to Striver.Football and Bournemouth are now said to be open to listening to offers for the player in January.
There is a feeling within the industry that Bournemouth could be willing to seriously consider an offer of around £90m for Scott in January.
