Chelsea have confirmed that their captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
James was injured in training and has missed Chelsea's last two Premier League games, against Brentford and Bournemouth.
Chelsea did not state how long James might be out for as he recovers from the procedure.
Right-back James has played six games for Chelsea this season but has now been absent since Sept. 12. He missed out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad which played in four Nations Leagues games during the international break, too.
A Chelsea statement on Friday read: "Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
"The 26-year-old was absent from Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training. Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
"Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase.
"Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return."
Chelsea are away at Everton on Saturday. After six games, Xabi Alonso's side are sixth in the Premier League.
- Premier League Top 50: Ranking the best players so far this season
- Moisés Caicedo determined to repay faith shown by Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
- Transfer rumors, news: Chelsea confident in January move for Scott
