Graham Potter has provided an update on Armando Broja after the Chelsea striker picked up a knock in a friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
The Albania international, who looked to be in great pain, was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. Broja has no history of knee injuries and, as the Blues prepare for the Premier League's return, the youngster's injury comes as a major blow.
In Broja's absence, Chelsea went on to lose 1-0 to Unai Emery's side in Abu Dhabi. The striker joins a growing list of injured players unavailable to Graham Potter, including N'Golo Kante, Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell.
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Speaking to the club's in-house media team after the defeat to Villa, the Blues boss admitted concern over Broja's 'awkward' knock. He said: "It was an unfortunate action, I think he got caught up with their player and the ground.
"It doesn’t look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say. Fingers crossed, but it is an awkward one."
While Broja was 'risked' by Potter versus Villa, the Chelsea boss decided against doing so with Trevoh Chalobah. football.london understand that there's nothing to be worried about in terms of the defender's absence from the friendly.
It's said that no risks regarding Chalobah's fitness were taken. The Blues squad flies back from Abu Dhabi tomorrow (Monday) and those players who left the World Cup early will return to training at Cobham this week.
Broja's injury particularly raises questions ahead of the January transfer window, with the striker once heavily linked to an exit from the club. But, with the Albanian's situation not looking positive, a move could now be off the cards.
Despite Broja's misfortune, Potter was left impressed by youngster Omari Hutchinson. The 19-year-old winger, who joined Chelsea from Arsenal in the summer, performed admirably on the left-wing and spearheaded many of the Blues' attacks.
Speaking to the club's in-house media team, Potter said: "Really good, dangerous, asked questions all the time, hit the bar but through out the game he showed his quality."
The Blues boss will be eager to build upon the positives and transform the club's form. Chelsea face Bournemouth next in Premier League on December 27.
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