Chelsea striker Armando Broja could be out for the rest of the season after rupturing the ACL in his right knee.
The 21-year-old requires surgery and faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation on the joint.
Broja, who has made 12 competitive appearances this season, sustained the injury in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Broja signed a new six-year contract at Chelsea earlier this year
After he was stretchered off, head coach Graham Potter said: “It doesn’t look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say.
“Fingers crossed, but it is an awkward one.”
It is another injury blow for Chelsea, who had a raft of players out before the World Cup, and for Broja in his breakthrough season in the first team.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all been stepping up their returns while at the team’s training camp in Dubai this month, although some are closer than others to a return.
Chelsea’s next seven games
December 27 – Premier League, Bournemouth (H), 5.30pm kick-off
January 1 – Premier League, Nottingham Forest (A), live on Sky Sports, 4.30pm kick-off
January 5 – Premier League, Manchester City (H), live on Sky Sports, 8pm kick-off
January 8 – FA Cup third round, Manchester City (A), 4.30pm kick-off
January 12 – Premier League, Fulham (A), 8pm kick-off
January 15 – Premier League, Crystal Palace (H), 2pm kick-off
January 21 – Premier League, Liverpool (A), 12.30pm kick-off
