Albania manager Sylvinho has confirmed Chelsea striker Armando Broja will be unavailable for their upcoming match against Bulgaria, dealing a blow to his hopes of immediate international action.
Broja had linked up with the Albania squad as he nears a return from a long-term knee injury suffered last year.
In an interview with NewSport (h/t Football. London), former Barcelona man Sylvinho provided a disappointing update on the 22-year-old’s fitness, declaring “he won’t be ready” for their next game.
“As for Broja, I have to give bad news. He was with the team for only 2 days. After consulting with our doctors and Chelsea’s, he can’t make it, he won’t be ready for tomorrow. We have other players to evaluate. Gjasula is ready to play”
Broja had ruptured his cruciate ligament during a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa in 2022. The serious injury forced him to undergo surgery and face a lengthy rehabilitation period.
He recently returned to official football for Chelsea last month against Aston Villa and also played the next three matches for the Blues.
It was hoped Armando Broja could make his international return to Albania during this international break. But after assessing the striker in training, Sylvinho decided it was too soon to risk Broja in a competitive fixture.
Both Albania’s medical staff and Chelsea’s agreed that Broja requires more time before he is match-fit again.
The news will come as a frustration to Broja, who was close to a first Albania appearance since suffering the devastating knee injury.
He will now focus on continuing his rehabilitation at Chelsea when he returns to England. Ensuring he does not suffer a setback is the priority, although Sylvinho’s update indicates Broja is not far away from a playing comeback.
With the Blues dealing with injury issues up front, Mauricio Pochettino will hope the striker can return to boost his options soon.
But for now, Broja’s long wait to resume his promising career continues.
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