Chelsea

Graham Potter and Chelsea are back in action today as the Blues begin their preparations for the second half of the Premier League season in Abu Dhabi.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa takes on Graham Potter's Chelsea as both sides look to build in practice ahead of the Premier League restart.

The Al Nahyan Stadium will play host to today's match between Aston Villa and Chelsea. It was a sticky final lap of form for Graham Potter ahead of the World Cup break, with five Premier League matches without a win. 49' - Hutchinson is played through by Jorginho on the break and has acres of space in front of him. This match could be more important than first meets the eye. He'll be fearing for the rest of the season. Chelsea are pressing with nowhere near the same intensity as they did in the early stages and Unai Emery's side looks very comfortable as things stand. 23' - Very uncomfortable viewing here as Broja heads off on a stretcher. 4' - Hutchinson cuts inside from the right flank and passes into Aubameyang inside the box, who cuts the ball back for the winger inside the area. Moments later Hutchinson gets the better of Digne on the right wing and cuts inside, firing a curled effort on to the post. 11' - Bailey breaks away and Villa look to be in behind again, as the Jamaican threads a ball through to the on-rushing Digne, but Hall recovers with a smart interception. 29' - Olsen shows a lot of the ball to Aubameyang in the six yard box and the Gabonese striker nearly gets a crucial touch to direct the ball goalwards. 83' - Hutchinson explodes away on the break and is pulled back by Douglas Luiz, who is lucky to escape a booking.

CHELSEA take on Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi today as both sides prepare for the return of the Premier League.The Blues were in torrid form before the Wor.

Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Aston Villa substitutions Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Chelsea substitutions Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Chelsea substitution Broja's blow only adds to an already hefty injury list for Potter. Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Aston Villa double substitution You won't want to miss a kick. Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Brooking yellow card Full time - Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea - Result: Aston Villa 1 Chelsea 0

Striker Armando Broja has suffered a worrying injury for Chelsea during a friendly match against Aston Villa.

After a successful loan spell with Southampton last season, the 21-year-old has one goal and one assist in 12 league outings. Otherwise, Potter will have to rely on the likes of Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up top. WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea news: Mount came on as a second half substitute and won the penalty that Harry Kane missed as England could not find a way to take France clash into ...

This was Mount's first senior World Cup after playing in Holland with Vitesse Arnhem in 2018 as a teenager. Before that, Mount sent out a tweet, saying: "Waking up today, it still hurts just as much... Mason Mount has sent a message out after England crashed out of the Qatar World Cup following a 2-1 loss to reigning champions France. [Chelsea benefit from World Cup opportunity Graham Potter must make most of when season restarts](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-world-cup-graham-potter-25703673) [Memphis Depay one of three summer transfers Chelsea can secure for Graham Potter in January](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/memphis-depay-chelsea-potter-transfers-25694713) [Chelsea face regret over summer transfer decision as Real Madrid come to World Cup realisation](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-real-madrid-transfer-decision-25690476) ['I can't' – RB Leipzig chief drops big Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea transfer hint](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/leipzig-chelsea-christopher-nkunku-transfer-25721117) [Reece James reveals Ben Chilwell plan as Chelsea duo continue injury rehab ahead of Bournemouth](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/reece-james-ben-chilwell-chelsea-25720456) He didn't start against Senegal either as Gareth Southgate opted for control in midfield. [Chelsea have a secret weapon in their bid to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to Jude Bellingham](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-liverpool-real-madrid-bellingham-25716082)

Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho, Armando Broja, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the senior players who start for Chelsea in their friendly ...

[Graham Potter](https://www.football.london/all-about/graham-potter) to get match minutes into several senior members of the [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/all-about/chelsea) squad ahead of the resumption of the Premier League season against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 27. The front three isn't short of quality. In what appears to be a back four, Josh Brooking starts at right-back alongside Development Squad teammate Bashir Humphreys. [With Edouard Mendy yet to return from his post-World Cup break](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-players-world-cup-training-25708107) and Kepa Arrizabalaga still sidelined from the injury he sustained against Brighton last month, there is a rare outing for Marcus Bettinelli in goal for the Blues. [Chelsea benefit from World Cup opportunity Graham Potter must make most of when season restarts](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-world-cup-graham-potter-25703673) [Memphis Depay one of three summer transfers Chelsea can secure for Graham Potter in January](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/memphis-depay-chelsea-potter-transfers-25694713) [Chelsea face regret over summer transfer decision as Real Madrid come to World Cup realisation](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-real-madrid-transfer-decision-25690476) ['I can't' – RB Leipzig chief drops big Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea transfer hint](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/leipzig-chelsea-christopher-nkunku-transfer-25721117) [Reece James reveals Ben Chilwell plan as Chelsea duo continue injury rehab ahead of Bournemouth](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/reece-james-ben-chilwell-chelsea-25720456) Several members of the club's Development Squad also have the chance to impress.

Jorginho, Marc Cucurella and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are among the starters for our friendly against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi.

[Marcus Bettinelli](/en/teams/profile/marcus-bettinelli) is between the sticks behind Brooking, Humphreys, Cucurella and [Trevoh Chalobah](/en/teams/profile/trevoh-chalobah). Shirt numbers used in this game do not represent player squad numbers. [Armando Broja](/en/teams/profile/armando-broja) and [Omari Hutchinson](/en/teams/profile/omari-hutchinson) join Aubameyang in attack.

as it happened: live blog, updates, highlights, lineups, comments, etc.

Chelsea starting lineup (4-3-3): Aston Villa starting lineup (4-3-3): Douglas Luiz, Kamara, McGinn (c)

Emma Hayes rings the changes from Thursday's Champions League visit to Madrid. There are six changes overall, with Fran Kirby and Niamh Charles, who were ...

[Johanna Rytting Kaneryd](/en/teams/profile/johanna-rytting-kaneryd), who also came on in the second half on Thursday starts as well, as do [Eve Perisset](/en/teams/profile/eve-perisset) and [Jelena Cankovic](/en/teams/profile/jelena-cankovic). [Bethany England](/en/teams/profile/bethany-england) is given a place in the attack with [Sam Kerr](/en/teams/profile/sam-kerr) named among the subs. [Fran Kirby](/en/teams/profile/fran-kirby) and [Niamh Charles](/en/teams/profile/niamh-charles), who were introduced at half-time in the 1-1 draw in Spain, beginning tonight’s game at Kingsmeadow.

Chelsea have struggled for goals during the Premier League season and will be hoping they do not lose Armando Broja for a lengthy spell.

LONDON: Chelsea striker Armando Broja suffered a serious right knee injury during a 1-0 friendly loss to Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with manager Graham ...

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Chelsea survived a Reading resurgence in the snow on Sunday to end the year top of the table with a 3-2 victory at icy Kingsmeadow and move three points ...

Arsenal came from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-1 and leapfrog Manchester United into second place. while Arsenal came from behind to beat Aston Villa and leapfrog Manchester United into second place Cissoko was making her first appearance since a five-match ban for hitting Villa’s Sarah Mayling in a 2-1 win. The Gunners are three points behind Chelsea with a game in hand. Arsenal came from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-1 and leapfrog Man United into second place Jelena Cankovic then scored twice in five minutes to put the hosts 3-0 up.

The Albanian's injury in the friendly against Aston Villa is personally devastating and also gives his club a major recruitment headache.

[Reece James](https://theathletic.com/football/player/reece-james-GKa1YfGdueMrjfBr/), [Wesley Fofana](https://theathletic.com/football/player/wesley-fofana-B3xBiMo59OK63V81/) and [Ben Chilwell](https://theathletic.com/football/player/ben-chilwell-aT2UBrL6NFLEM9vk/) are all making good progress in their respective recoveries from significant knee and hamstring problems to bolster the defence, but Sunday’s friendly against [Aston Villa](https://theathletic.com/football/team/aston-villa/) in Abu Dhabi has given head coach Graham Potter a new headache at the other end of the pitch. Neither of those is a No 9 in the truest sense. Potter is unlikely to be any more enthusiastic about the prospect than predecessor Thomas Tuchel was in the previous window. That should offer Broja considerable reassurance as he embarks on what is likely to be a lengthy period of physical rehabilitation. For many of a Chelsea persuasion, the comparisons with [RB Leipzig](https://theathletic.com/football/team/leipzig/) are also into the last 16 of the [Champions League](https://theathletic.com/football/champions-league/), which resumes in February, and have qualification for next season’s playing of that competition to think about, too (they are currently third in the [Bundesliga](https://theathletic.com/football/bundesliga/)). [Olivier Giroud](https://theathletic.com/football/player/olivier-giroud-jQhFvachd9LT7tAr/), one of Chelsea’s best-ever winter acquisitions, is currently lighting up the World Cup for [France](https://theathletic.com/football/team/france/) at the age of 36. [Memphis Depay](https://theathletic.com/football/player/memphis-depay-pCSeizd2uYxKxdsi/), who was on Boehly’s radar in the summer, would not be difficult to extract from cash-squeezed [Barcelona](https://theathletic.com/football/team/fc-barcelona/), while fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid have already intimated that they will listen to offers for Portugal international [Joao Felix](https://theathletic.com/football/player/joao-felix-ucCJXAWiq0yowCTd/). [Kai Havertz](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kai-havertz-BAHAYdE2WeiErgTt/) and [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang](https://theathletic.com/football/player/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-PlxW6clTOC8TqmBP/) as his only real No 9 options. [Raheem Sterling](https://theathletic.com/football/player/raheem-sterling-k4BPKfn0pvnrTLX4/), Chelsea’s five-goal top scorer in 2022-23 so far, or [Christian Pulisic](https://theathletic.com/football/player/christian-pulisic-K1gjqIXqbIBgFVgK/) as a false nine but has offered no indication to date that he considers either to be a viable option there. [Chelsea](https://theathletic.com/football/team/chelsea/) using the [World Cup](https://theathletic.com/football/world-cup/) break to ease their injury crisis. [Ruben Loftus-Cheek](https://theathletic.com/football/player/ruben-loftus-cheek-vpgwsKz86kGSpSFU/) — who ruptured an Achilles tendon during a friendly match against [MLS](https://theathletic.com/football/mls/) side New England Revolution in the US in May 2019 — were inescapable.

Chelsea edged out Reading in a Women's Super League five-goal thriller and Emma Hayes spoke honesty after the game with her side sitting top of the league ...

We're on the verge of qualifying for the last eight of the Champions League this week. "Because we were in control but then they (Reading) score a goal and momentum shifts completely. "Especially considering we've made changes to the team. "It was difficult. [Emma Hayes](https://www.football.london/all-about/emma-hayes) admitted her side were complacent after [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/all-about/chelsea-women) survived a second-half scare in their [ 3-2 win over Reading.](https://www.football.london/all-about/womens-super-league) [The Blues dominated the first half](https://www.football.london/womens-football/chelsea-women-ratings-reading-wsl-25725553) and were three up at the break, Fran Kirby opening the scoring before a Jelena Cankovic double. [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/all-about/chelsea-women) had started superbly and looked to be coasting to the win.

Moukoko has shone in the Bundesliga this term, scoring six goals in 14 appearances, and he recently became the youngest player to represent Germany at a ...

Should Broja be out for a lengthy period, the club may consider it a priority to bring in a new attacker to boost their chances of a top-four finish this term. Indeed, Chelsea's plans to bring in a new striker may have been significantly affected by the injury suffered by Armando Broja in their mid-season friendly with Aston Villa on Sunday. Moukoko could be brought in to ease Chelsea's striker crisis after Armando Broja appeared to suffer a serious knee injury

Chelsea news: Injury FC struck again to add more awkward problems for Graham Potter ahead of the Premier League restart and the visit of Bournemouth to ...

Chelsea's wider issues of injury setbacks to key first-team players remains an ongoing concern, one that threatens to derail this difficult season from being salvaged for Potter. The scenes of Broja's cries made for uncomfortable viewing in what was supposed to be a relaxed environment, designed to give both Premier League sides a chance to gain some fitness. [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/player-ratings-chelsea-aston-villa-25726134) job in early September, the 47-year-old has already inherited an ongoing hamstring problem for N'Golo Kante that would soon rule him out until February. Even the arguably wilder shout of recalling Romelu Lukaku from his loan at Inter sprung up. "It doesn’t look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say. On replays, the challenge seemed innocuous, but it required Broja to be stretchered off. Fingers crossed, but it is an awkward one." But Sunday's friendly against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi only increased the strain for Potter. [Naturally, the name of Cristiano Ronaldo soon re-emerged on Sunday](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-cristiano-ronaldo-transfer-tuchel-25726280) amongst fans discussing the injury to Broja. "It was an unfortunate action, I think he got caught up with their player and the ground." [Potter detailing the concerns to Chelsea's in-house media after the game.](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/potter-armando-broja-injury-chelsea-25726758) [Graham Potter](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/potter-armando-broja-injury-chelsea-25726758) could do with a bit of luck on the injury front.

Catch all the latest Chelsea news and transfers on our live blog including updates on N'Golo Kante, Josko Gvardiol and Armando Broja's injury.

The 31-year-old midfielder will be free to begin pre-contract talks with clubs outside of the Premier League in January in order to secure a move upon the end of his Blues deal in June. With Gvardiol set to play a key role for Croatia in the remainder of the World Cup, his asking price could rocket in the coming days. With the Blues in desperate need of reinforcements this winter due to a backlog of injuries, Berge could be a shrewd signing. [Jeunes Footeux](https://www.jeunesfooteux.com/Duel-Liverpool-Chelsea-pour-Sander-Berge-_a60351.html), Chelsea and Liverpool are set to lock horns for the signing of Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge. His contract expires at the end of the season and there is doubt over whether he will be offered a new deal, with Juventus prepared to sell the France star after his failed move to Manchester United earlier this year. Given the latest injury to Broja, along with Aubameyang and Kai Havertz struggling to fire the Blues up the Premier League table, attacking reinforcements are likely to be on the agenda for January. Blues fans have spotted Boehly and Eghbali speaking to Potter after the friendly against Villa, with all three seemingly in good spirits. The first is Leandro Paredes, who is on-loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but it is stated that he will not be signed permanently by the Serie A giants through the option to buy they have in his contract. With the Albanian set to out for some time after Potter admitted his initial concern, the Blues could accelerate a move for a striker - Cristiano Ronaldo anyone? Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly ready to lock horns with the Blues for RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. The Bianconeri are said to be planning 'an assault' for Mount at the end of the season as they attempt to raise funds by selling three key players. Graham Potter is now setting his sights on the Blues clash against Bournemouth on December 27 after his side lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in a mid-season friendly.

Chelsea have taken the lead in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko, according to respected reporter David Ornstein.

And by accelerating their interest, they may reduce the risk of losing him to a rival suitor. But if they can, then beating the competition by bidding in January would be ideal. Adding Moukoko to their squad in January might be beneficial for Chelsea. Their interest comes in the aftermath of an injury suffered by Armando Broja during a mid-season friendly over the weekend. Man Utd have also been tipped to make a move for the Germany international, who was in his country’s World Cup squad and became their youngest player to grace such a stage. Moukoko is enjoying a breakout season in the Bundesliga.

Manchester United have heavy interest in Chelsea target Malo Gusto.

The defender is high up on the list of potential right-back targets for United. [ Manchester United also share Chelsea's interest in Denzel Dumfries ](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/transfer-news/report-manchester-united-are-interested-in-chelsea-target-denzel-dumfries)and [Jeremie Frimpong.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jeremie-frimpong/profil/spieler/484547) [ Aaron Wan-Bisakka](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aaron-wan-bissaka/profil/spieler/477758) set to leave Manchester United in January, a full-back is a position they want to strengthen. [ Florian Plettenburg](https://twitter.com/Plettigoal) of [ Sky Sports Germany,](https://twitter.com/SkySportDE) Manchester United are interested in signing Malo Gusto from Lyon. Chelsea are in a similar position to United in the sense they are searching for a right-back in January too, and Gusto happens to be on the list of targets for Chelsea too. [Malo Gusto ](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/malo-gusto/profil/spieler/620322)is one of the most highly rated full-backs on the planet right now, and with Manchester United looking to sign a right-back in January, he's somebody they are interested in.

Endrick is set to become a Madrid player for a fee of €60million, but will not be able to play for the club until 2024 due to his age. Chelsea were favourites ...

Chelsea were favourites at one stage of proceedings for Endrick. In the end Real Madrid got their man. [David Ornstein](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein) of [the Athletic, ](https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC)Endrick chose Real Madrid over Chelsea was due to the fact the Blue's were not as committed to the financial terms as Real Madrid.

Leao, who sees his deal with the Italian giants expire in 2024, featured five times for Fernando Santos' side in Qatar, directly contributing towards two goals.

According to We want to consolidate this growth that the boy has had and stabilise the team to give continuity at the highest levels, and we will try to find a solution to continue for a long time with Leao." The 23-year-old forward was [heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/rafael-leao-chelsea-transfer-verdict-24854184) in the summer but a move failed to materialise. The Portuguese star is said to have a €150million (£130.5million) release clause in his contract. It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese star's new deal will still include the aforementioned release clause. "I know that Maldini is negotiating with him and as far as I just said: if he negotiates, I’m calm."

Chelsea had 12 players at the 2022 World Cup and we've taken a closer look into all of their performances throughout the tournament.

The Moroccan star has managed to light up Qatar so far and has made history with his nation already. Luka Modric is the main man in the Croatian side and has rightfully received plenty of plaudits so far. If Croatia manages to go all the way this year, they will have their midfield trio to thank. He was also the standout performer in their goalless draw with England. Pulisic has had a tough time at Chelsea as of late. Mount started in England’s opening two matches against Iran and the USA but he couldn’t manage to find his flow. Havertz played a starring role in Germany’s 4-2 victory over Costa Rica but by that point, the damage had already been done. The 38-year-old even grabbed an assist in Brazil’s 4-1 hammering of South Korea. He made two second-half appearances for Switzerland and played a total of 57 minutes. We’ve gathered the 12 Chelsea players in Qatar and ranked them from worst to best. Unfortunately for Sterling, his tournament peaked at that point. Being just 22 years old, we’re sure his time will come in the future.

The severity of Armando Broja's knee injury could have a huge impact on Chelsea's plans ahead of the January transfer window.

As it stands, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is the club's only senior option to lead the line, with Kai Havertz taking up more of a false-nine role. Broja's injury raises questions ahead of the January transfer window, with the striker once heavily linked to an exit from the club. It doesn’t look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say. According to the Chelsea boss, the initial signs do not look promising. The Albania international has no history of knee injuries and, as the Blues prepare for the Premier League's return, his injury comes as a major blow. [The 20-year-old striker screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/breaking-chelsea-aston-villa-broja-25725706) and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.