As revealed by Football London, Chelsea striker Armando Broja has cut short his international duty with Albania to return to Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old has been on the path to recovery from a serious knee injury he suffered in December, and he’s made four appearances under manager Mauricio Pochettino this season.
Broja recently scored his first Chelsea goal in nearly a year, only his second at the senior level for the club, during a 2-0 victory over Fulham on October 2. He also played the first half of a 4-1 win against Burnley.
The striker, following his return to domestic play, was included in the Albania squad for Euro 2024 qualifying matches against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, along with an international friendly.
Must Read: Chelsea suffer blow as Gregory Kobel signs new contract with Borussia Dortmund
Albania took a significant step toward qualifying for the tournament in Germany with a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic. However, Broja did not feature in that game, and head coach Sylvinho provided a downbeat update on his fitness.
Before the Czech Republic match, the former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back announced that, following discussions with national team doctors and Chelsea medical staff, Broja would be returning to London.
He said:
“As for Broja, I have to give bad news. He was with the team for only two days. After consulting with our doctors and Chelsea’s, he can’t make it, he won’t be ready for tomorrow. We have other players to evaluate.”
Fortunately, Broja’s condition is not believed to be severe, and Chelsea intends to manage his fitness carefully with the hope of involving him in the match against Arsenal on October 21.
The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea after leaving Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy in 2009, had successful loan spells with Vitesse and Southampton before making his breakthrough into the first team.
Also Read: Chelsea legend Eden Hazard retires from professional football aged 32
He scored nine goals for Southampton in the 2021-22 season.
Upon his promotion to the senior Chelsea squad, Broja was awarded a new long-term contract that extends until the summer of 2028. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Another Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson, also recently had wrist surgery and subsequently withdrew from the Senegal national team.
However, it is believed that the summer signing will be available to play as the main striker against Arsenal.
