Chelsea dealt a cruel injury blow that could affect Liverpool twice.

Reece James‘ injury woes are set to worsen, with the Chelsea captain expected to be out for three to four months as he prepares for surgery on his latest problem.

According to multiple reports on Thursday, assessments on the 24-year-old’s hamstring problem, which he sustained during the 2-0 loss to Everton last week – a repeat of one he sustained against Liverpool on the first day of the season – have resulted in all parties believing surgery is now the only appropriate course of action for James, who has already missed nearly a full season due to hamstring injuries over the past four years.

He is now scheduled to undergo surgery with a Finnish specialist, which could keep him out of the game until April 2024. Losing a talented defender and leader within the squad could stymie the London club’s push to climb the Premier League table and win silverware.

This could help Jurgen Klopp’s Reds on both fronts. They are currently scheduled to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side at Anfield on January 31.

A month later, if both clubs win their respective semi-finals in this season’s competition, a rematch of the 2022 Carabao Cup final could take place. Liverpool sealed their place in the final four with a 5-1 win over West Ham on Wednesday before being drawn against Fulham; the Blues also made it via a penalty shoot-out win over Newcastle before being drawn against Middlesbrough.

The final is currently scheduled for February 25, which falls within the window deemed too soon for James’ return to action.

Finally, James’ injury may jeopardize his chances of joining Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships in Germany this summer, as Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold may fill the right back position in his absence if he is not selected to play in midfield.