Chelsea captain Reece James has confirmed that he has undergone hamstring surgery.
The England international was forced off with the issue in the opening half-hour of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Everton earlier this month.
After he suffered a third significant hamstring injury within the space of 12 months, a decision was ultimately made for James to have an operation to solve his recurring fitness issues.
James has now confirmed that he has had the procedure, while he also revealed that he has received "significantly more hate and negativity" since his latest injury setback.
In an Instagram post, James wrote: "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.
According to The Telegraph, James is now expected to miss three to four months of action after going under the knife in Finland.
With the 24-year-old set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, his place in the England squad for Euro 2024 appears to be in doubt.
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James, who has made 16 appearances for his country, faces a race against time to prove his fitness to England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of next summer's tournament in Germany.
Meanwhile, James' club manager Mauricio Pochettino will be without two of his main full-backs for a significant period after Marc Cucurella was recently ruled out for three months.
In more positive news, left-back Ben Chilwell is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since September.
After sealing their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals in midweek, Chelsea are currently preparing for Sunday's Premier League away meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
