Chelsea youngster Reece James has had surgery on an ankle injury picked up during pre-season training.
The right-back, who won many plaudits last season after impressing in the Championship for Wigan Athletic on loan, suffered the injury during the Toulon Tournament for the England Under-20 side.
He injured his ankle ligaments during a match against Chile in the group stages and was initially making good progress despite being ruled out of action for three months.
However, he has been forced now to have surgery on the problem which could delay his return to first team football.
James, who can also operate as a centre-back and midfielder, was expected to be one of the young players offered an opportunity by new boss Frank Lampard owing to Chelsea’s transfer ban.
There is no timescale on his return to action, but he is almost guaranteed to miss the first few months of the season.
“I’m thankful Surgery went well this evening,” he said on Twitter following the surgery. “Minor setbacks for major come backs! See you all soon! “Thanks for the support.”
