Chelsea forward Armando Broja has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Broja, 21, was taken off the field on a stretcher during Chelsea’s friendly against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Albanian striker went down 19 minutes into the match in Abu Dhabi as he attempted to chase down the ball and collided with Ezri Konsa. He was in visible discomfort and was eventually substituted after a prolonged stoppage in play.
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A lengthy period of absence for Broja is concerning news for Potter because it leaves the club with Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the only options in the No 9 role.
Broja has made 18 appearances for Chelsea this season across all competitions, managing a single goal and an assist. He has primarily been limited to a squad role, however, having only started two games in the Premier League.
He had been close to leaving the club this summer, having spent last season on loan at Southampton, but though he was linked with a move to West Ham United, he ultimately elected to remain at Stamford Bridge. He then signed a six-year contract extension with the west London club in September.Chelsea return to Premier League action when they face Bournemouth on December 27.
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