Chelsea captain Reece James stands to miss a staggering 22 matches after undergoing knee surgery this week.

The Blues midfielder-come-full-back was a surprise absentee for last weekend’s meeting with Bournemouth after picking up what Xabi Alonso initially described as a “minor” knee injury in training.

It was confirmed on Friday morning, however, that he has now undergone surgery on that issue and Standard Sport understands he is facing three months on the sidelines.

Given his dismal injury history, Chelsea will not rush him back to fitness, and the expectation is that he may not return to the pitch until late January.

That prognosis is far from encouraging, and the Blues will have to face some season-defining matches without the benefit of having their captain in the matchday squad.

He will likely miss the FA Cup third round, not to mention the Carabao Cup fourth-round trip to face Liverpool later this month. Should Chelsea progress, he also stands to miss the fifth round and semi-final first-leg.

Elsewhere, James will miss three London derbies on top of matches against Manchester United and Manchester City.

Here, Standard Sport collates the 22 Chelsea matches Reece James will miss as he recovers from knee surgery...

Glum: Reece James is facing three months on the sidelines with his latest injury blow

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