Chelsea captain Reece James has minor knee surgery

Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery after sustaining an injury in training, the club said Friday. The 26-year-old defender has begun rehabilitation with support from Chelsea’s medical department, but the club did not provide a return date. The procedure followed medical assessments after James missed Chelsea’s 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth last weekend. The club said those assessments concluded that surgery was required. It described the operation as minor and confirmed it had been completed successfully. James’s knee injury occurred during training, according to Chelsea. The club has not disclosed its precise nature or provided further clinical details. In its statement, Chelsea said its medical department would support him during rehabilitation. Reports citing Chelsea sources have put his recovery at around three months, with a possible return around mid-January. Those estimates are not a confirmed timetable: Chelsea has not announced when James will be available again, and the club sources described the duration as a general estimate. They also indicated he would not be rushed back prematurely. The injury leaves Chelsea without...