Chelsea captain Reece James has underwent surgery and has already offered an update on how the procedure went on Instagram as he prepares for another lengthy layoff.

The Blues captain has struggled to maintain consistent health on a daily basis and was aggravated further during Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Everton earlier this month at Goodison Park. Despite repeated injury difficulties, James is having surgery for the first time.

Following his surgery, James chose to send a message to his millions of Instagram followers to keep them updated on his health situation. “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. Stay well, Reece.”

Prior to the procedure, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that the club was considering all options. He also discussed how devastating this current setback has been for James and those close to him.

“We are all now thinking how we are going to approach the situation and trying to find maybe different solutions, different strategies,” the Argentine explained. “I prefer not to talk too much because it is a situation that is not a nice situation because I know how he is suffering and his family of course.

“He was so excited to be back again and to be fit to help the team in this situation and, yes, we need to be cautious in the way we talk.”

Only once in his Chelsea career has James made more than 30 league appearances in a single season. At only 24, the right-back has plenty of time to change the tide, but recurrent injury issues are his biggest impediment to a successful Blues stay.