Chelsea received some bad news regarding an injury to Armando Broja on Wednesday. The injury and ensuing surgery rules out the striker for the remainder of the current campaign. The youngster suffered the setback during a friendly match at the weekend.
“Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s friendly against Aston Villa, Armando underwent further assessment following the club’s return to England,” Chelsea announced.
“Scan results from those assessments have unfortunately confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and that surgery will be required. Following the operation, Armando will work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.”
Armando Broja injury means Chelsea needs new additions
The unfortunate injury leaves the club short up top. Potter used Kai Havertz up front this season. Still, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now the team’s only true center forward. Both Havertz and Aubameyang have struggled to find the back of the net during the 2022/23 season. The German has managed just three Premier League goals, while the Gabon international has not scored a league goal since his team debut.
With Broja set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Chelsea are reportedly looking at new targets. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Blues will now amp up interest in the position. The next transfer window opens in January and the club can make additions throughout the month.
Club will have to battle rivals for new striker
Chelsea could, however, find it difficult to secure a new striker target. The center forward position is an area of concern for other top Premier League clubs as well. Manchester United are also short up front due to the contract termination of Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal, on the other hand, are in need of reinforcements following an injury to Gabriel Jesus.
Nevertheless, Chelsea need to make a major move in the transfer market. The Blue are quickly descending and currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League table. In fact, Chelsea lost three consecutive matches prior to the World Cup break. Now owner Todd Boehly will need to splash the cash if he hopes to turn his club’s season around.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $7.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season