Armando Broja was stretchered off with a knee injury in Chelsea’s mid-season friendly against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The 21-year-old started the game against Unai Emery’s side in Abu Dhabi, as Premier League teams prepare for the return of club football on Boxing Day.
However, just 20 minutes into the friendly he collapsed to the floor screaming in agony clutching his knee after contesting a ball with Ezri Konsa.
The medical staff were called onto the pitch and he ended up being stretchered off.
Blues boss Graham Potter confirmed the initial prognosis ‘doesn’t look positive’ for Broja, who spent last season on loan at Southampton.
“It was an unfortunate action, I think he got caught up with their player and the ground,” Potter told Chelsea’s official website.
“It doesn’t look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say. Fingers crossed, but it is an awkward one.”
It poses another headache for Potter as he tries to get his side ready to face Bournemouth on December 27.
The Blues are eighth in the table, and are behind his old club Brighton on goal difference.
Chelsea have had a number of players at the World Cup, but still gave a few of their first team regulars a run out against Aston Villa.
Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all started.
There was no Reece James and Wesley Fofana in the squad as they still battle their way back to full fitness.
Villa won the match 1-0 with an early goal from captain John McGinn as both sides continued their preparations for a return to Premier League action.
But Chelsea’s major worry will be the health of Broja who has been a regular first-team player this season.
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By: Josh Fordham
Title: Graham Potter gives update after Armando Broja is stretchered off in Chelsea friendly against Aston Villa as Albania international screams in pain on floor
Sourced From: talksport.com/football/1274331/armando-broja-scream-chelsea-injury-friendly-aston-villa/
Published Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2022 08:45:00 +0000
