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- Finland-based surgeon claims he will be in ‘top shape’ for Euro 2024 in summer
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Reece James has undergone successful surgery on his injured hamstring, according to Dr. Lasse Lempainen, a sports medicine specialist based in Turku, Finland.
James suffered his latest injury blow in the 2-0 loss to Everton earlier this month and has had various assessments since.
Dr. Lempainen, assured that James would return stronger and be fit well in time for the Euros next summer.
The surgeon – who has operated on many top European footballers, including those from AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain – has assured fans that James can make a full recovery for the Euros in an interview with The Telegraph.
The operation, carried out in Finland, was deemed necessary after careful consideration of clinical examinations and available treatment options.
Reece James shared an injury update to his followers after undergoing hamstring surgery
The Chelsea star claimed he received ‘significantly more hate and negativity’ after the injury
James was forced off in the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat against Everton earlier this month
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted injuries have meant James can’t help his side
The Blues captain limped off in the 27 minute at Goodison Park in his latest injury setback
Dr. Lempainen is confident in the decision and outlined an individual rehabilitation plan for James. While the exact duration of James’s absence is yet to be confirmed by Chelsea, estimates suggest a recovery period of three to four months.
James’ surgery is said to have gone ‘very well’ according to surgeon Lempainen.
| Injury | Dates | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Hamstring injury | Aug 13 – Oct 6, 2023 | 9 |
| Hamstring injury | Apr – May 31, 2023 | 7 |
| Ill | Mar 9 – 15, 2023 | 1 |
| Hamstring injury | Mar 1-5, 2023 | 1 |
| Knee injury | Dec 27 – Jan 31, 2023 | 7 |
| Knee injury | Oct 13 – Dec 12, 2022 | 9 |
| Hamstring injury | Apr 21 – 28, 2022 | 2 |
| Muscle injury | Mar 3 – 21, 2022 | 5 |
| Fitness | Feb 14 – 24, 2022 | 2 |
| Hamstring injury | Dec 27, 2021 – Feb 14, 2022 | 11 |
| Hamstring strain | Dec 24, 2020 – Jan 18, 2021 | 5 |
| Ankle injury | Dec 14 – Dec 28, 2020 | 4 |
‘I am very convinced that Reece will be in top shape before the European Championships,’ said Lempainen.
‘Chelsea will decide on how long he takes, but more likely we are talking about that kind of period [three to four months].’
With the Chelsea star suffering from numerous injuries in the last two seasons, James has been on the sidelines for the most part of the 2022-23 season.
His surgeon insists the surgery will reduce the chance of recurring injuries in the future, with the rehab programme designed to strengthen his troublesome hamstring.
‘The surgery gives Reece a better chance of staying fit and not having a recurring problem.’ The 45-year-old surgeon added.
‘We will try to do our best during the rehab process to assess the risk factors in Reece’s left hamstring and try to help his strength, mobility and sprinting technique, so Reece can enjoy high-level football again.’
Reece James missed 25 games for Chelsea last season after suffering from two hamstring injuries and two knee injuries.
The bad luck continued for the 24-year-old defender, as his current season has been tarnished with what is now his second hamstring injury, sidelining the star until April.
With the right-back expected to miss 16 games for Chelsea, it is not good news for Mauricio Pochettino, who’s side have continued to find good form in the Premier League.
