Report: Newcastle target Armando Broja suffers season-ending injury for Chelsea

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Newcastle United-linked Armando Broja has suffered a season-ending injury playing for Chelsea in a friendly.

The Albania international was in action on Sunday, featuring against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi. Graham Potter’s side lost the game 1-0, but the biggest loss is that of Broja.

The 21-year-old started up front for Chelsea, but was forced off after 19 minutes. Broja closed down Ezri Konsa, only to collapse inside the six-yard box. His knee got caught in the turf, leaving the striker in a heap on the floor.

The screams from Broja were deafening. Sometimes you hear players shout out their pain and it doesn’t seem genuine. But you could tell straightaway that Broja had suffered a serious injury.

Now the Evening Standard has provided an update on his fitness.

Armando Broja suffers ACL injury in Abu Dhabi

The Evening Standard report that Broja has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will require surgery.

They state that his season is now over, with the youngster set to spend a minimum of five months of the sidelines. However, the Evening Standard add that it could be as long as 12 months out of action in the worst case scenario.

You can see the video of the incident below, but it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

It is a sickening blow for Broja, who started Chelsea’s last competitive game before the World Cup break. He led the line in a tight affair between the Blues and Newcastle, and gave Sven Botman plenty of problems.

While the Dutchman was equal to everything, Broja certainly asked questions of the Toon defence. It was a reminder of why Newcastle wanted to sign him.

He was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park during the summer. It was even claimed that he was keen on a move to Newcastle, before talks collapsed.

There has since been a report from Ben Jacobs stating that Newcastle have been continuing to monitor Broja in case he becomes available on loan in January. However, that definitely won’t be happening now.

His season is over, and we wish the Chelsea forward a speedy recovery.