In Focus: Broja is Arm-ed to deliver the firepower Poch needs

Last season was a difficult one for Chelsea striker Armando Broja. 

He looked to have forced his way into the starting line-up early in the campaign, only to be set back by a ruptured ACL in December. 

Broja, 21, is back in training but did not fly to the United States with his team-mates for their pre-season tour earlier this week as his return continues to be monitored.

As the Blues' preparations for next term pick up pace, we assess whether Broja is the right man to lead the line for Mauricio Pochettino.

Ready to go

Broja's injury was a significant one — so much so that he reported early for pre-season training to get back up to speed.

He said: "I wanted to get myself ready. It's not always easy when you have injuries and things like this. 

"I'm really happy and thankful that I came back in [early]. It's a big season, so I'm trying to get myself back to full fitness, full sharpness and then push on from there."

Options up top

Chelsea will hope Broja is fit and sharp come August 13, when they host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out in the cold and Kai Havertz now at Arsenal, Pochettino has new arrivals Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to call upon in addition to his Albanian international.  

Nkunku, 25, was snapped up from RB Leipzig but is not an out-and-out striker. 

The Frenchman started as a lone centre forward on just two occasions last season — home wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga — but did score in both games. 

That could mean added pressure on Broja to be Chelsea's focal point, though it also likely to provide an opportunity to establish himself as the main man up front.

Promising numbers

Broja only managed 12 appearances and a total of 287 minutes in the Premier League last season — but his numbers were encouraging.

He ranked inside the division's top 10 for shots on target per 90 (1.57) and sixth for completed take-ons per 90 minutes (2.51). 

The hitman is direct and has a clear eye for goal, so should be able to get on the scoresheet more regularly with increased playing time.

Pochettino will also be encouraged by some of his more defensive numbers — no player in the league won more possessions in the attacking third per 90 last season (1.57).

In a high-pressing and energetic team, he could be a valuable asset.

Expected goals

If any Chelsea fans are still unconvinced, Broja's underlying xG numbers might change a few minds. 

Only Erling Haaland had a better post-shot xG per 90 minutes than him last season (0.9), though whether that translates across a full campaign remains to be seen. 

Regardless, in a more productive side, Broja has what it takes to enjoy a high-scoring campaign. 

Looking ahead

With his return being carefully managed, Broja has plenty of hard work ahead to be ready for the big kick-off. 

Pochettino may be keen to exercise caution with him for as long as possible as he bids to ensure Chelsea's dismal 12th-place finish last season is quickly forgotten. 

But given Broja's potential and raw talent, the ex-Tottenham boss is likely to throw him into action sooner rather than later.