Devastated Reece James post snap from hospital bed after surgery as Chelsea ace’s Euro 2024 dream hangs by a thread
REECE JAMES revealed he’s had “significantly more hate” than support as the Chelsea skipper sweats on making Euro 2024 with England.
The defender had surgery on Thursday after being forced off just 26 minutes into a 2-0 defeat at Everton on December 10 with a hamstring issue.
James is expected to be out for three to four months, meaning his place Gareth Southgate‘s 23-man squad for Euro 2024 is in jeopardy.
And, in an Instagram post, he told of his frustrations at the time taken to find the best treatment – as well as his disappointment at some of the responses he’s had.
The 16-cap star, 24, wrote: “The footballing world knew I got injured but the procedure I would go down this time took slightly longer to figure out the best solution.
“I had surgery today to try fix my recurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally.
“Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity.
“Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football.
“Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece.”
James has already missed 11 games so far this season due to injury.
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He suffered a torn hamstring against Liverpool on the opening day of the season which sidelined him for over two months.
James returned to action in October, but was limited to just seven appearances before being hit with another setback.
The wing-back’s career has been marred by several hamstring issues since he made his professional debut in 2019.
However, he is hopeful that the proposed operation in Finland will help to prevent them in future.
Should his recovery go to plan, James could return to action in March.
However, the chances of him being fit for England’s spring friendlies against Brazil and Belgium are slim.
That could prove to be a huge blow to his Euro 2024 hopes.