“Chelsea” captain Rhys James underwent an operation on his knee injury.
The club announced on Friday that James, who has regularly dealt with injury problems in his career, had a successful “minor” procedure.
England defender James suffered an injury in training and was forced to miss Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday, with surgery deemed the best course of action.
A Chelsea statement said: “Reece has now started his recovery and will be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during this phase of his rehabilitation.”
The club did not allow time for the return of the versatile right-back.
His absence further limits Chelsea’s options in midfield, where James has played regularly of late.
While Chelsea have Marco Palestra and Malo Gusto to fill the gap at right-back, James’ injury leaves them with just four big options in central midfield in Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco.
Xabi Alonso’s men face Everton in their Premier League opener on Saturday. The victory will move “Chelsea” into the top four, at least temporarily.