Chelsea’s Broja posts hospital photo after surgery

ARMANDO Broja has confirmed he’s had successful surgery on his serious knee injury as the Chelsea forward prepares to start his rehabilitation.

  The 21-year-old picked up the injury during Chelsea’s mid-season friendly against Aston Villa earlier this month after an innocuous challenge on Ezri Konsa, and he was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season.

  Broja underwent an operation on Wednesday morning, and he posted a positive message on Instagram after surgery. 

  ‘Pleased to say I underwent a successful operation this morning,’ Broja wrote alongside a picture of himself giving a thumbs-up gesture.

  ‘Time to rest up before starting my road to recovery.’

  ‘Thank you once again to everyone who has sent messages of support.’

  Broja has endured a difficult season back at Chelsea after starring on loan at Southampton last term.

  The Albanian scored nine goals in all competitions for the Saints in 2021-22, convincing Chelsea to keep him at Stamford Bridge this year rather than sending him back on loan.

  However, Broja has found his first-team opportunities limited under Thomas Tuchel and then Graham Potter, and has only started two league matches for the Blues.

  Broja scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win against Wolves in October, but has largely found himself behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz in the pecking order.

  He may have fancied his chances of getting more game time when the Premier League resumes, with Havertz having been away with Germany for the World Cup, while Aubameyang has struggled to find top form since joining Chelsea in the summer.

  Instead, Broja now faces a long wait to try and make his mark in West London, with his focus turning to getting back to full fitness for the start of next season.