Reece James underwent further specialist assessments on Wednesday before a final decision will be made on his recovery plan from a recurring hamstring problem.
The Chelsea captain was due to decide on Monday whether to have surgery but that decision was delayed.
James is seeking a solution to his injury woes, having suffered seven hamstring injuries in the last three years.
After James pulled his hamstring in August, Mauricio Pochettino devised a training programme mixed with a careful reintroduction to Premier League football.
But James injured his hamstring again away at Everton earlier this month.
Chelsea has sought external advice and medical staff will soon make a decision in conjunction with the player and Pochettino.
James has started just six of Chelsea's 21 matches this season, having missed two months.
He has not completed a full 90 minutes since April and is now expected to be out until at least March, with surgery potentially ruling him out for an even longer period.
James also missed the World Cup in Qatar last year after suffering knee ligament damage, with his hopes of playing for England at Euro 2024 now in the balance.
His hamstring issues are believed to be an issue in both legs and have increased his risk of suffering other injuries like his subsequent knee problems.
In a statement last week, Chelsea said: “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“The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury.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."
