Chelsea captain Reece James is expected to be out for about three months after knee surgery, BBC Sport and Sky Sports reported.

The 26-year-old defender was injured in training before Chelsea's 5-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend, the outlets reported. Sky Sports said he was hurt last Friday and that Chelsea confirmed on Friday morning that he had undergone successful minor knee surgery.

BBC Sport said James is now going through rehabilitation with Chelsea's medical staff and that no time frame has been given for his return. Sky Sports said he is now set to be out until 2027.

Chelsea next travel to Everton in the Premier League before a difficult run of games, BBC Sport reported. It said the club will host Tottenham and Manchester United, with a Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool between those two home games. Sky Sports said James will miss home games against Tottenham and Manchester United, as well as a trip to Manchester City. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was set to be asked about the injury at his news conference Friday afternoon, Sky Sports reported.

James has had many injuries in recent seasons, the outlets reported. BBC Sport said they caused him to miss several tournaments with England since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Last season he stayed healthier and made 29 Premier League appearances, his most since the 2020-21 season, Sky Sports said. That helped earn him a place in England's World Cup squad, but he hurt his hamstring at the tournament and missed three games, Sky Sports reported. BBC Sport said England reached the semifinals and won the bronze medal match.

James was among the players who withdrew from England duty during the most recent international break, BBC Sport reported. England are scheduled to play Croatia at Wembley Stadium in November, it said.

He has made six appearances this season, including three Premier League starts, according to Sky Sports.

What we know: James had knee surgery and is expected to miss about three months.
What we don't: Exactly when he will return.