England right-back Reece James described 2022 as the "toughest year to date" on Wednesday after he picked up a fresh injury during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Chelsea confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that James would be out "for up to a month."
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"2022 has been the toughest year to date ... It's naturally effected [sic] me mentally, I'm currently just tryna deal with the cards I've been dealt," James said on Twitter.
The 23-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan in the Champions League in October. That led to him missing the World Cup with England.
2022 has been the toughest year to date.
— Reece James (@ReeceJames) December 28, 2022
Just wanna thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.
It's naturally effected me mentally, I'm currently just tryna deal with the cards I've been dealt.
I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy & happiness. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mu9pF5e09p
He felt discomfort in the same knee on Tuesday as he made his return to playing action and was substituted in the 53rd minute of the game against Bournemouth.
Speaking after the win against Bournemouth, Chelsea boss Graham Potter described James as one of the top players in his position in the world.
"He's been really disappointed to miss the World Cup, of course," Potter said. "It was a huge blow to him. You could see his quality and what he brings to the team.
"He is a world-class player. You see it from the outside but not until you work with him do you see how good he is. He could play in any team in the world, and any team would miss him."