Reece James surgery decision delayed as Chelsea seek expert advice to solve injury crisis

Reece James is approaching a T-junction on his road to recovery after suffering another hamstring injury. The 24-year-old defender was forced from the field of play in the first-half of the Blues' clash against Everton earlier this month despite having only just recently returned from the treatment room.

James tweaked a similar muscle issue on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, missing a large chunk of games. The Cobham graduate was finally given the all clear in October and, after just a few appearances, he suffered a reoccurrence of his ongoing hamstring problems.

Following the Blues' defeat to the Toffees at Goodison Park, Mauricio Pochettino was quizzed on James' injury – which he described as 'really disappointing'. The club then later put out a statement confirming the England international's setback and that he'll begin a rehabilitation programme imminently.

However, a decision is yet to be made whether he should go under the knife. According to the Daily Mail, James is 'reluctant' to rush into surgery, so the club and the player have sought further expert advice before making a decision.

The report states that he could miss up to four months of the season without surgery. Should James go under the knife, he would face three to six months on the sidelines.

While Chelsea are set to be without the right-back for a while, Christopher Nkunku recently made his long-awaited return from the treatment room. The 26-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season clash against Borussia Dortmund in the United States and he finally made his competitive debut for the club on Tuesday night.

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