Chelsea have been left sweating on the fitness of Armando Broja after the striker was stretchered off from their friendly defeat to Aston Villa.
The Blues are ramping up their preparations for the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day. Part of those preparations was a friendly against Villa in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening, with Broja starting alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up-front.
But after just 17 minutes of the game, the Albanian collided with Villa defender Ezri Konsa. That led to the striker screaming out in pain as he held his right knee, before he was stretchered off the pitch.
And boss Graham Potter provided an update after the game, admitting that the signs are not good for Broja following the injury. While he insisted it was too early to conclusively tell, it appears the striker is in a race against time to be fit for Chelsea's return to 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," Potter told Chelsea TV.
If Broja is ruled out for a substantial period of time, as is feared, it would be a serious blow to Potter's plans. The Albanian has been a key squad member for the Blues this season, making 12 appearances in the Premier League.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should be Chelsea's top target in the January transfer window? Comment below.
A long-term injury could also force the Blues to dip into the transfer market for a replacement, with their options in attack certainly much weaker with Broja in the treatment room.
With Broja having been taken off, Chelsea fell to defeat against Villa, with a strike from John McGinn enough to hand Unai Emery's side the win. Potter was encouraged by his team's performance though as he revealed he expects a number of senior stars to return from injury imminently.
"It was a good game and a good performance from a young team playing against a really experienced Premier League side. We’ve had a fantastic week actually and it’s been good to work with the boys that are here," he added.
"The lads that have been injured have had a bit more time training and they’ve stepped up their rehab so that’s good, they’re getting closer. We’ve got a full week’s training when we get back and then we have a friendly the following week so that will be good.
"There’s a few more guys coming back from the World Cup so it’s moving nicely. We’ll be able to have a few more players back in full training with us. Reece James has moved forward, Wesley Fofana is moving forward.
"Carney Chukwuemeka is moving forward so that’s positive. Hopefully Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell can also take a step forward in their rehab next week so we’re optimistic about that."
Chelsea return to Premier League action the day after Boxing Day, with Bournemouth visiting Stamford Bridge. Potter's men are currently eighth in the top-flight, having lost their final three games before the break for the World Cup.
