Chelsea has confirmed that Reece James will be out for up to a month after suffering a knee injury against Bournemouth. James played 53 minutes at Stamford Bridge before being taken off due to pain in the same knee. He wore a knee brace as he departed the stadium. The 23-year-old got an evaluation on Wednesday, and scan results revealed that he will likely miss more time due to injury.
“After being replaced during the second half of last night’s 2-0 Premier League victory over AFC Bournemouth due to a knee injury, defender Reece James underwent evaluation early today,” Chelsea said in a statement. “Sadly, the 23-year-scan old’s results revealed a setback, and Reece will now be out for up to a month.”
“The most difficult year to date was 2022,” Reece James said. “Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your support; you are all appreciated. My mental state has been affected naturally, so I’m currently just making do with the hand I’ve been dealt. I wish you pleasure, love, and serenity as you celebrate the end of the year. I love you everybody and I’ll see you in 2019!”
Chelsea is one of the teams considering Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic as James is expected to spend some time on the operating table. In order to evaluate right-back options as they awaited the full degree of James’ injury, Chelsea held internal discussions with Juranovic, a player they have long been interested in.
Celtic wanted to keep Juranovic, and there had been discussions about better conditions for a new deal, but neither party was able to come to an agreement before Juranovic joined the Croatian World Cup team. More than three and a half years are still left on the 27-year-current old’s contract. When Juranovic returns from his post-World Cup leave this week, it’s believed Celtic will try to schedule another meeting with him. However, the Scottish champions are preparing for offers due to Premier League and European clubs’ interest.
For more transfer news, click here
