James remains away for months, while Emegha is on the brink of debut

While Reece James will have to stay on the sidelines for months due to a knee operation, Emmanuel Emegha is approaching his first official match for the Blues, according to manager Xabi Alonso during the press conference ahead of the clash with Everton.

James long‑term sidelined

Chelsea captain Reece James suffered a knee injury during training and has now undergone surgery. The Englishman missed the Blues' last match and, according to the BBC, will be absent for three months. The club has no fixed timetable for his recovery, and Alonso could not give an exact date.

"It won't be two or three weeks. It will take longer than that and we'll see. For Christmas, after Christmas, time will tell," the Basque manager said. He emphasized that James must recover well and return in optimal condition.

Alonso added that James, despite his absence, will stay close to the team and can have a positive influence. "He needs to feel good and be in optimal condition. It's a disappointment for everyone, including for him," said the manager.

Chelsea captain Reece James faces uncertain return after minor knee surgery

Emegha almost ready for debut

Striker Emmanuel Emegha, who permanently moved from Strasbourg to Chelsea last summer, has not yet played a minute. Alonso reported that the Dutchman is not yet one hundred percent fit, but that he will train again next week.

"He is 1.95 meters tall, quick, he attacks the spaces and he is threatening. When he is fit, he is very special," praised the manager. At the moment Emegha still has minor aches, but the club looks forward to the moment he can strengthen the team.

For the upcoming match against Everton, with Chelsea sitting sixth in the Premier League, Levi Colwill will continue to wear the armband. Alonso confirmed that Emegha is not yet fit enough to play against Everton, but he remains optimistic about an imminent debut.