International football
Armando Broja: 14 injuries in four years as his Burnley side hire Swiss coach Fabio Celestini
The Albania striker left the pitch after 13 minutes in the weekend match. Burnley, 22nd in the Championship, appointed the former Basel coach four days after sacking Nicky Hayen.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 29, 2026, 12:30 · Updated 18:43 · 1 min read
In brief
- According to Newsport, Broja has missed 85 matches and more than 600 days because of physical problems over the past four years.
- Burnley appointed Fabio Celestini after sacking Nicky Hayen following a 4-1 defeat to Lincoln City.
- Celestini's debut will be on Saturday against Portsmouth at Turf Moor.
Albania national team striker Armando Broja is going through another difficult spell with injuries. In the weekend match, the 25-year-old was forced off after just 13 minutes because of physical problems. According to an analysis by Newsport, over the past four years Broja has suffered 14 injuries, missed 85 matches and been out of official games for more than 600 days.
From Southampton to Burnley
Broja moved to Burnley from Chelsea in the summer of 2025, a move that was expected to bring stability to his career. He had earlier stood out on loan at Vitesse and Southampton, as well as in two standout performances for Albania against Hungary. Physical problems have prevented him from finding continuity, at a time when the national team needs its strikers.
Celestini on the bench
Meanwhile, Burnley announced on Wednesday the appointment of Swiss coach Fabio Celestini, 50, four days after sacking Nicky Hayen following a 4-1 defeat to Lincoln City. The club are 22nd in the Championship, with just one win in 12 league games. The length of the contract was not disclosed.
Celestini has coached Basel, with whom he won the Swiss league and cup in the 2024-25 season, as well as CSKA Moscow, with whom he won the Russian Super Cup. “He brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for,” said sporting director Diego López. His debut will be on Saturday, when Burnley host Portsmouth at Turf Moor, and it remains to be seen whether Broja will be fit.
