Chelsea are pushing to sign a right-back in the January transfer window after captain Reece James was forced into surgery for a knee injury that will keep him out until 2027.

James has endured a number of significant injury issues throughout his career, which has led to Xabi Alonso and previous manager Enzo Maresca fielding him in midfield in the hopes of easing the strain on his body.

However, Chelsea announced on Thursday that James would undergo surgery on a ‘minor knee injury’ in which he is expected to miss three months of football, leaving Alonso missing one of his most important stars.

Having sold Enzo Fernandez on deadline day in the summer without a replacement, Chelsea are already exploring the prospect of signing a midfielder in January and they could now target a full-back too, with Benfica’s Daniel Banjaqui identified as a ‘leading target’, according to TEAMtalk.

A number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are believed to be monitoring the 18-year-old, who is slowly breaking into Benfica’s first team.

Banjaqui has made three appearances this season and has a release clause in the region of €45 million, which has raised interest in the youngster despite Benfica being desperate to keep hold of him.

Alonso: Chelsea’s January transfer plans unlikely to be impacted by James injury

Despite James’ injury, Chelsea are adequately equipped at right-back, with Malo Gusto and €50m summer signing Marco Palestra able to fill in, although the club have never shied away from bringing in young talent even if the pathway to first team football is intense, meaning a transfer for Banjaqui can't be ruled out.

Instead, Chelsea are expected to pursue a deal to strengthen in midfield, with Alex Scott set to be a major target after Bournemouth opened the door to his departure.

A deal for Lamine Camara could also be revived after Monaco pulled out of an agreement to sell him on deadline day and a midfielder is believed to be Chelsea’s top priority, particularly after James’ latest setback.

James had been enjoying his best run of football without a major injury, having featured in 29 Premier League games last season – his most since the 2020/21 campaign but Alonso believes that Chelsea’s January transfer plans will not be affected by the situation.

"No, I don't think so because we expect for that time that he's back - some weeks before, some weeks [gestures other side] so let's see, it's not exact the timeline with him, so it doesn't affect [transfer plans],” he said.

"We are all disappointed for [James]. He wanted to have a good start after the international break, but in the last training [session] he picked up an injury. We wanted to be cautious and wait to know the result of the tests, but now the surgery has gone well and has been successful. Keep supporting him.”