Reece James sends message after surgery on injury - "Significantly more hate"

22 December 2023 , 00:47

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Reece James is set to be out for the next few months (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea right-back Reece James has taken to social media to issue an update on his surgery following his hamstring injury.

The Blues captain has struggled to maintain consistent fitness on a regular basis and suffered further aggravation during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park earlier this month. Despite persistent injury issues, this marks the first time James has had to undergo surgery.

Following his time under the knife, James opted to post a message to his millions of fans on Instagram and keep them in the loop regarding the status of his health. The 24-year-old England international uploaded a snap of himself in the hospital bed alongside the caption: "The footballing world knew I got injured but the procedure I would go down this time took slightly longer to figure out the best solution.

"I had surgery today to try fix my reoccurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally. Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity.

"Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football. Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece."

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Prior to the surgery, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted that the club were exploring every option. He also shed light on how difficult this latest blow has been on James and those close to him.

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Reece James is set to be out for the next few months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury (Getty Images)

"We are all now thinking how we are going to approach the situation and trying to find maybe different solutions, different strategies," the Argentine explained. "I prefer not to talk too much because it is a situation that is not a nice situation because I know how he is suffering and his family of course.

"He was so excited to be back again and to be fit to help the team in this situation and, yes, we need to be cautious in the way we talk."

Over the course of his entire Chelsea career, James has made more than 30 league appearances in a single season just once. At just 24, the right-back certainly has time to turn the tide but constant injury issues are his biggest obstacle to a successful Blues stay.

Josh O'Brien