Chelsea
captain Reece James has confirmed he has had hamstring surgery but has hit
out at the "hate and negativity" surrounding his latest injury.
The defender picked up the hamstring injury in this month's 2-0 defeat at
Everton that forced him off in the 27th minute.
The England international is now set for another lengthy spell on the
sidelines after already missing two months of the season following an injury
in August.
It is James' third longer-term hamstring problem within the last 12 months
which prompted negative and abusive messages from fans towards the
full-back.
James said on Instagram: "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 want to be injured, l'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."
The 24-year-old missed part of last season with a hamstring issue in what
was another injury-hit campaign as he also missed the 2022 World Cup in
Qatar after suffering knee ligament damage.
James has only made nine appearances this season and was sent off in
November's defeat at Newcastle.
Poch: Chelsea development 'delayed' but
success is on horizon
There are plenty of things that endear you in a face-to-face meeting with
Mauricio Pochettino. The warm welcome, the calm but playful demeanour, the
passion and spirit.
The fact he can wistfully joke around with his cap turned backwards, like a
smiley schoolboy, before snapping into serious interview mode.
But what's most fascinating, to this journalist at least, is how driven and
committed he is to the Chelsea project, however difficult the mandate.
That's to be expected, you might say, because he's the manager, but not all
leaders steer their ships with the same level of unwavering belief as
Pochettino does.
This is a venture that clearly means a lot to the 51-year-old. He speaks
like a manager who has been part of the fabric for far longer than the six
months, or 173 days, he's actually been in west London.
In many ways, Pochettino and Chelsea are the perfect fit. A manager with a
proven track record in the Premier League, one who is known for favouring
and nurturing young talent, and who can cope with the demands of a club with
expectation and status. Arriving directly from PSG - one of the most
difficult jobs in club football - teaches you that much.
But progress has been a little slower than some would have expected, not
least Pochettino himself. Rather than stagnant, the Argentinian describes
Chelsea's development as "delayed", but has an absolute belief that the
pathway being trodden is the right one for future success.
"We wanted today to be in a different position on the table, of course, I
cannot say false," Pochettino began in an exclusive chat with Sky Sports,
sitting forward in his chair to emphasise sincerity, his cap returned to its
regulation setting.
"I have to be really honest and say I am upset - not frustrated because we
knew this was going to be tough, but the circumstances have not been kind.
"Injuries make us to be a little bit delayed, and not progress in the way we
wanted to, that is why we are late in our way to achieve things. I have no
doubt we are going to be late, but we are going to perform and win games,
and be in the position we deserve to be."
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