Chelsea have suffered a major setback: Armando Broja is operated on for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The Albania international had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher during the Blues' 1-0 friendly defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday after his shoe got stuck in the grass and twisted his knee.

The worst fears came true on Tuesday night when it was confirmed that Broja had torn his cruciate ligament and now needs surgery.

As 90min learned, Chelsea FC have come to terms with the fact that Broja will miss the rest of the season. It is hoped that he will be ready to play again in time for the start of the 2023/24 season.

In Broja's absence, Chelsea could look to sign another striker, after all, the Blues' offense has not covered itself in glory in the first half of the season, to say the least.

Graham Potter's current options for the centre-forward are limited to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed in the summer and has scored just three goals since joining Stamford Bridge, and Kai Havertz.

This article was originally published on 90min.com as Chelsea shock: Armando Broja out of season.