Armando Broja missed Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal through injury but could return to face Brentford on Saturday. Chelsea have had bad luck with injuries this season but are finally starting to welcome back more players.
The 22-year-old missed the start of the campaign with a cruciate ligament tear before returning in September. Broja suffered a knock in October’s 4-1 win over Burnley, but he’s made a full recovery and is back training.
Broja faces challenge getting back into starting eleven
Cole Palmer shone in Broja’s absence on Saturday, so the Albanian international isn’t likely to start against Brentford. Nicolas Jackson was introduced from the bench against Arsenal too, so he’s ahead in terms of fitness.
Broja has made four appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. He’s amassed only 124 minutes of playing time due to injuries, however, so Mauricio Pochettino won’t rush him back.
And although Broja featured 18 times across the board for Chelsea last season, he started only three games. The 22-year-old has an inferior goal record (2 goals in 23 games) to Jackson (3 goals in 10 games) too.
Who are Chelsea still missing?
Broja should make the matchday squad when Brentford come to the Bridge, but Pochettino could be without six players.
Wesley Fofana had surgery on a knee injury last summer and isn’t expected back until 2024. Christopher Nkunku is also out with a knee injury from August but should return before the new year. Ben Chilwell has a hamstring injury from late-September but could be back within two months.
Romeo Lavia has been out with an ankle injury since September and isn’t expected back until December. Trevoh Chalobah suffered a setback while recovering from a thigh injury, so his potential return date is unknown. Carney Chukwuemeka also suffered a setback while recovering from a knee injury, so his potential return date is unknown.
In other news, Cole Palmer impressed for Chelsea in a false-nine role
