Chelsea have revealed that Reece James is set to be on the sidelines for the next month, having suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's 2-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old lasted only 53 minutes of the contest with the Cherries in what was his comeback appearance, having worked his way back from a knee injury that had kept him out since October.
Chelsea have now said that the England international will be missing for the next month, with a scan confirming that the defender had suffered "a setback".
"Defender Reece James underwent assessment earlier today after being substituted during the second half of last night's 2-0 Premier League victory over AFC Bournemouth due to a knee injury," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.
"Scan results have regrettably confirmed a setback for the 23-year-old, with Reece now set to be ruled out for up to a month."
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Before the damage was confirmed, James took to social media to open up on his "toughest year to date".
"2022 has been the toughest year to date. I just wanted to thank you all for the support this year, none of it has gone unnoticed," he wrote in a post on Instagram.
"It's naturally effected me mentally, but life is about dealing with the hand you've been dealt and that's what I'm currently tryna do. I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy and happiness. Love you all, catch you next year.
"It hurts more than you could ever imagine. I guess it's just another learning lesson, what that lesson is, I'm yet to know. It's always hard to see a bigger picture when we live day to day.
"I'm sure I'll look back in the future and understand why this had to happen. Growth only takes place when you are challenged. In such a bad situation, there's still many things to be thankful for, you guys being one."
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Following the win over Bournemouth, Chelsea boss Graham Potter admitted that the club were "concerned", as the injury was to the same area that had kept James out for a long period.
"It's the same area, so we are concerned. He's been really disappointed to miss the World Cup, of course. It was a huge blow to him," Potter told reporters.
"You could see today his quality and what he brings to the team. He is a world-class player. You see it from the outside but not until you work with him do you see how good he is.
"He could play in any team in the world, and any team would miss him. The plan was to play 60 minutes today so now he's disappointed, of course. We hope it's not as bad as it was and he can have a speedy recovery."
James has scored twice and registered two assists in 12 appearances for Chelsea this season.
