Chelsea were unable last night to add to their one win recorded on the pre-season tour of the United States.
The Blues fell short 2-1 to Champions League holders Real Madrid, although there will no doubt be some positives Enzo Maresca can take from the outing.
He stated after the game he was impressed by Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman starting every game of the tour.
When looking at the squad the boss picked for the game overnight, there is a very clear omission from the Chelsea ranks.
Armando Broja was not even seen on the bench for the Blues, with some left wondering if he had picked up an injury whilst away.
Armando Broja not dropped because of injury
However, Maresca told Ben Jacobs after the game that the decision was not made due to that reason, and instead hinted that he will not be remaining at the club.
Jacobs said: “Enzo Maresca tells me Armando Broja wasn’t left out the Chelsea squad to play Real Madrid due to injury. ‘It was just a decision. Luckily for us he’s not injured.’ Q: ‘Will he leave this window?’ ‘In this moment, we’ll see what happens…”
It has been reported for weeks now that Broja is seen as surplus to requirements at the club where he came through the ranks, after failing to make his mark in the limited opportunities he has been handed.
Chelsea close to signing Samu Omorodion
While his loan to Fulham also didn’t work out last season, some of his best moments in the Premier League so far have actually been away from Stamford Bridge. He was described as ‘dangerous’ during his spell at Southampton.
Last week it was reported that an unknown side had made a bid for Broja, with a number of clubs previously being mentioned as interested in bringing him in.
His replacement looks set to be Samu Omorodion, with a deal close to being agreed between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid over his permanent transfer.
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