Chelsea captain Reece James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for more than a month and the defender has now taken to Instagram to provide an update on his rehabilitation

Chelsea captain Reece James has shared a message on Instagram as the defender continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old last featured for the Blues on December 10 against Everton, a game he only played for 27 minutes.

The Blues medical staff took some time to consider their options before deciding surgery was the best option for James, who has been plagued by injuries over the past two years. It may be a number of months before the Cobham graduate takes to the field again, but he is already working hard behind the scenes to come back fitter than ever.

Taking to social media on Monday afternoon, James shared a picture of himself in the gym dressed in Chelsea training gear. Alongside the picture, he said, “On the mend. I hope and wish you are all doing well.”

It’s not the first time James has shared a message with his followers. Shortly after his surgery, he posted on Instagram: “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 to fix my reoccurring hamstring issue; the recovery has started, both physically and mentally. Since the injury, I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity.

“Believe me, I don’t want to 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.”

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has used Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi in place of James this season, with the duo performing admirably in the club’s captain’s place. Asked about James last month, Pochettino said, “I think he feels well. We were talking, and he has started his recovery; he is one day closer to being with the group.

“This is really positive; we are all positive around him; we are going to help; we are involved in this way. It is always tough for a player to have a very complicated and difficult season. Now is the time to start to recover. One day less until he is part of the group, and we are going to take it in a positive way.

“The most important thing is to start to solve the problem and, of course, help him to be strong and positive, because it is an important thing, and that is why this amazing institute that the club has to support in that case is needed for Reece to be in his best form and recover as soon as possible.”