Armando Broja could make his Chelsea return later this week, says the Albania FA president.
The striker tore a cruciate ligament in his right knee during a friendly against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi in December, wrecking his first season involved with the Blues first-team.
Broja returned to light training earlier this summer, while Chelsea rejected interest in the Albania international.
AC Milan’s approach was quickly snubbed and West Ham were also believed to be keen following Broja’s successful loan spell with Southampton two seasons ago.
Mauricio Pochettino has backed the 21-year-old to play a leading role, with Chelsea signing only Nicolas Jackson as a new striker despite wholesale changes elsewhere.
They built their squad with Broja’s return in mind and Pochettino stressed the club “really believe in him”, vowing to “be careful” with his development.
Speaking after Albania beat Poland on Sunday, FA president Armando Duka suggested the forward could even make his comeback this week as Chelsea travel to Bournemouth.
“Broja has completed the recovery phase,” he told Euronews.
“We expect him to be on the bench with Chelsea this week, that is, ready to return to the field. He should normally be back in October for the Czech Republic game. He is an added value for us. One of the best Albanian footballers, so he will help us.”
