Lasse Lempainen, the surgeon who operated on Reece James, has insisted the full-back will be in “top shape” for Euro 2024.
James underwent surgery to fix a reoccurring hamstring injury which has seen him miss 37 games at Chelsea in the last few years. 90min understands James sought several opinions before ultimately agreeing with the club and manager Mauricio Pochettino to go under the knife.
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, surgeon Lasse Lempainen gave an update on how the procedure conducted in Finland went, stating he expects the right-back to make a full recovery.
“We did the operation on his right hamstring in Turku, Finland and it went very well,” said Lempainen.
“We made some clinical examinations and thought about the different options, and after careful consideration, we all agreed to do the operation. We are convinced it was the right treatment decision and we are now all happy that we did the right thing. On Friday morning, we made an individual rehabilitation plan for Reece and now it’s time to make a good recovery.”
“I am very convinced that Reece will be in top shape before the European Championship. Chelsea will decide on how long he takes, but more likely we are talking about that kind of period [three to four months].
“The surgery gives Reece a better chance of staying fit and not having a recurring problem. We are only talking about the right side, of course, because he also had some problems in his left side before. Now, also during the rehab, particularly in the last phase when we do the sport-specific rehab, we will do our best that these risks should be minimised. The hamstring on the right will be stronger, yes.
“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.”
In James’ absence, Pochettino has regularly turned to Axel Disasi to cover at right-back despite the France international being a natural centre-back. Pochettino also has ex-Lyon man Malo Gusto, who provides a more offensive option, to call upon.
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