LONDON (AP) — Chelsea striker Armando Broja is set to miss the rest of the season after rupturing a knee ligament, the Premier League club said Wednesday.
The Albania international was injured in a collision with Ezri Konsa in the first half of a 1-0 loss in a friendly against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The 21-year-old forward was seen screaming in pain and clutching his right knee before being taken off on a stretcher.
Chelsea said scan results “have unfortunately confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and that surgery will be required.”
It added that Broja is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Broja, who impressed on loan at Southampton last season, has scored one goal in 18 appearances for Chelsea this season, mostly as a substitute.
Chelsea hosts Bournemouth on Dec. 27 looking to end a three-game losing run which preceded the World Cup break.
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