A young Chelsea team were beaten in Abu Dhabi by Premier League rivals Aston Villa on their return to action following the World Cup break.
While all the usual caveats must be applied, Graham Potter’s side were disappointing and proved unable to answer John McGinn’s goal in the seventh minute despite seeing much of the ball.
The biggest concern, however, will be the injury to Armando Broja. The striker was stretchered off in the first-half with what looked like a serious knee injury, with the Albania international in obvious pain after colliding with Ezri Konsa and Robin Olsen.
One of the few bright spots for Chelsea was Omari Hutchinson. Brought to the club as part of the added focus on strengthening youth options, the 19-year-old hit the post with a brilliant effort not long after McGinn’s goal and caused problems all night.
Chelsea are back in action against Bournemouth on December 27.
