Chelsea striker Armando Broja has sustained an ankle injury in training as confirmed by Thomas Tuchel. The Blues are currently in the United States for their preseason and face Club America on 17 July.
Broja is now set to miss the Club America game as he won’t be training with the team until further tests. The Albanian returned from a successful loam with Southampton last season to join Chelsea in the preseason.
The Chelsea academy player scored 9 goals in 38 games for the Saints while delivering absolute robust performances on the pitch.
While he exploits have prompted Southampton to pursue him on a permanent deal, Tuchel is reportedly planning to keep him for next season given Chelsea’s lack of options in the number-9 position.
Thomas Tuchel talks Broja’s injury and his future
As Romelu Lukaku has rejoined Inter Milan on loan, Thomas Tuchel is left with only one senior striker in Timo Werner. The manager as a result wants Broja to stay at Chelsea next season.
However, Broja’s chance of impressing Tuchel in the preseason has taken a hit after his ankle injury.
Tuchel on the striker’s injury said, “He had a little accident yesterday in training with the ball control and landed in a funny way on his ankle and Achilles [tendon].
“He is in pain but nothing is injured, we did the examinations and it’s just pain. He is lucky that he did not get injured. We are lucky and happy that he did not injure himself.”
It seems there is some relief that Broja won’t be out for long. Meanwhile, Chelsea have been receiving numerous proposals for the 20-year-old.
West Ham United have now joined Southampton in the race to sign Broja this summer. The Hammers have submitted a bid of £30 million recently, as Chelsea are yet are to decide on the offer.
Speaking on Broja’s future Tuchel said, “Armando is our player first of all and we have, at the moment, no interest in selling him. He is here to make an impression after he was on loan in Southampton.
“That’s his situation from where we look up front. It’s good if there’s interest as it shows us there’s talent and potential.”
Armando Broja will now be aiming to return to action for Chelsea against Charlotte FC on 21 July.