Reece James was due to see a hamstring specialist on Tuesday to decide the best course of action after his latest injury setback.

The Chelsea captain was forced off in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat against Everton and there are growing concerns about his long-term fitness.

James has suffered seven hamstring injuries in the last three years.

The 24-year-old defender asked to be substituted at Goodison Park after feeling his right hamstring again.

He was substituted in the 26th minute, before goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin consigned Chelsea to another defeat.

A Chelsea statement read: "Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton.

"The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury.

"Reece will now begin his rehabilitation programme at Cobham."

Mauricio Pochettino had hoped his fitness regime would help James cure his hamstring problems without surgical intervention, but the right-back is now seeking external help.

Chelsea medical staff will consult with James after his visit to the specialist.

James has started just six of Chelsea's 19 matches this season, having missed two months after injuring his hamstring in August.

He suffered a pulled hamstring twice last season, including once in the Champions League defeat at home to Real Madrid when he continued to play on knowing he had hurt the muscle.

James also last year missed the World Cup in Qatar due to knee ligament damage and was re-injured just 60 minutes into his return in a match against Bournemouth in December.

Chelsea have generally struggled without their star defender at his physical best. The latest setback for James is a major blow for Pochettino, who could be without 11 players when Chelsea host Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.