Chelsea faced Aston Villa in a friendly in Abu Dhabi yesterday afternoon, with Unai Emery’s side taking a 1-0 victory, thanks to John McGinn’s early first half strike.
However, all the excitement amongst Chelsea fans who were keen to see their team in action for the first time since mid-November was snatched away from them, with Armando Broja stretchered off midway through the first half with a suspected ACL injury.
The Albanian came together with Villa defender Ezri Konsa as they both battled for the ball, with Broja coming off worse.
The injury is a massive blow to Chelsea, with Broja impressing during his appearances prior to the World Cup break after signing a new six-year contract at Chelsea back in September.
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It remains to be seen where the club go from here regarding a replacement for Broja, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now the only recognised striker who is fully fit.
There have been rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo could be an option with the Portuguese now a free agent after leaving Manchester United, but will Graham Potter want someone with as much baggage as Ronaldo is currently carrying on his team? It seems unlikely.