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Graham Potter fears Armando Broja faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines — but is keeping his fingers crossed for the young striker.
Broja, 21, left the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury just 17 minutes into Chelsea’s mid-season friendly with Aston Villa yesterday.
Following a collision with Villa defender Ezri Konsa, the Albania international screamed in pain as concerned opponents rushed to his aid.
Potter now faces an anxious wait for news on Broja’s condition and admits it does not look good.
The Blues boss said: “It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground.
“It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.”
Broja has been a regular feature in Chelsea’s squad this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 12 Premier League appearances.
But while Potter, 47, appears set to be without the hitman for the foreseeable future, some good news came out of the 1-0 defeat to Villa.
After a John McGinn strike sunk the Blues in Abu Dhabi, the former Brighton boss was quick to praise the inexperienced side he fielded in the absence of his World Cup stars.
Potter said: “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. It’s been really positive to work in these conditions and we’re happy with the week.”
Potter also spoke highly of an impressive display from Omari Hutchinson, 19, who traded life at Arsenal for Stamford Bridge during the summer.
He added: “He was really good, dangerous and asked a question all the time.
“Throughout the game he showed his quality but he wasn’t the only one. It was a spirited performance with a lot of young players so it was good.”
Chelsea will get back to work at Cobham this week as they prepare to resume their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
