Chelsea XI vs Everton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

Chelsea will remain without Reece James for their trip to Everton on Saturday.

The Blues confirmed on the eve of the game that their influential captain had undergone successful minor surgery on a knee injury suffered in training during the international break.

It remains to be seen when he will be able to return to action, having also been bothered by a hamstring issue earlier this season.

“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase,” Chelsea said in a statement.

There was good news ahead of the Blues’ 5-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend when manager Xabi Alonso revealed that Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and James were all back fit and ready to feature against the Cherries.

Surgery: Chelsea captain Reece James underwent an operation on his knee injury Getty However, while the first four all featured in that rout, James was a surprise absentee with a knee problem picked up at Cobham.

He had previously missed the 3-0 defeat by Brentford with a hamstring injury that ruled him out of England squad selection for the Nations League.

Alonso can choose from Valentin Barco or Romeo Lavia as partners to Caicedo in the double pivot in midfield against Everton, but may feel the smart decision is to stick with Jordan Henderson.

The 36-year-old scored two stunning goals and assisted another on his home debut for Chelsea against Bournemouth.

Alonso has options on the right of defence and can pick Wesley Fofana or stick with Josh Acheampong. Palestra is an option at right wing-back, where Pedro Neto was often the starter while the Italian was out injured.

On the opposite flank, Jorrel Hato offers competition for Pep Chavarria.

Alonso has not handed much game time to Geovany Quenda or Estevao in Chelsea’s first five Premier League games of the season.

Chelsea’s menacing front three of Joao Pedro, Palmer and Morgan Rogers will be expected to lead the line against David Moyes’s side.

Chelsea dealt transfer blow as Liverpool 'move ahead' in pursuit of £100m star