Armando Broja may be sidelined for the season, prompting Chelsea to sign a transfer target.
Armando Broja’s injury may prompt Chelsea to pursue Youssouf Moukoko.
Broja was stretchered off during yesterday’s Blues-Villa friendly (December 11). After colliding with Ezri Konsa, the attacker appeared to have a serious knee injury.
In Graham Potter’s absence, Moukoko might fill in up front. The Athletic claims Chelsea is considering a winter transfer for him.
Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old player’s contract expires this season. Several European teams are interested in him as Dortmund tries to re-sign him.
This season, he scored six goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances, becoming him Germany’s youngest player ever in their 2-1 loss to Japan.
Chelsea is rumored to be “setting the groundwork” for next summer, although he might join next month.
Evening Standard says talks are stagnant and competition is fierce. Broja’s injury may push Blues chiefs forward.
He may have torn his ACL, which would end his season. Boss Potter needs more info.
The Englishman said after the match, “It doesn’t look good, but it’s too early to tell.” It’s unpleasant.”
Chelsea injury scare shows Potter’s January transfer needs
Graham Potter’s biggest difficulty in Sunday’s loss to Aston Villa may have been the few senior players in an Abu Dhabi friendly group made mostly of junior players.
Marcus Bettinelli, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the oldest.
Except for Bettinelli, who last played for Chelsea in the FA Cup against Chesterfield in 2022, the other three are likely to start against Bournemouth in two weeks. Potter expects his senior players to show composure and leadership in tough situations.
Potter and his players will be under pressure to beat Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and show resolve after a terrible run of form before the World Cup break.
Armando Broja’s injury has likely put him out for 2023, therefore Aubameyang must be Chelsea’s calming presence in attack.
Jorginho must start his swan song at Stamford Bridge on the right foot in Chelsea’s unsettling midfield.
The Italian is one of the most loud and influential voices in the current locker room, even though he has underachieved this season. Despite his limitations, he can still play with composure and care. Sunday’s frantic and untidy performance gave little hope.
Potter wants Cucurella to prove he was worth £62 million following a slow start to the season. After a few excellent weeks under Thomas Tuchel, he’s shown unpredictability and confusion.
Given the unpredictable consequences of a winter World Cup on players returning late, Potter must have a huge number of players he can rely on in the opening few games, and the elder legs within the group must do so.