On 16th November 2025, during the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group between the Albanian national football team and the England national football team, Albanian forward Armando Broja was forced off the pitch on a stretcher, visibly in tears. The incident adds another chapter to a career already hampered by repeated injuries.
In this blog post on Odds96, we walk through what happened, the match in full, the injury concerns now facing Broja, and what this might mean going forward.
What Happened
Burnley striker Broja entered the match in the 75th minute as a substitute for Albania. Less than ten minutes later, he appeared to sustain an ankle/lower-leg injury while dribbling, clutching his ankle in pain. With Albania having used all their substitutions, they were unable to replace him, and the forward was carried off on a stretcher in the 90th+ time frame. Footage and reports show Broja in tears as he was removed, adding emotion and concern to the moment.
Broja’s injury history is well-documented. He has previous issues, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear, ankle setbacks, and other lower-body problems. Given this background, the fear among fans and analysts is that this latest incident may be serious.
Also Read: Burnley 2025 EPL Overview: Leading Goal Scorers, Assists, Defending Stats & Dribbling Leaders
What to Expect in Terms of Injury
Given Broja’s injury history and the nature of the incident, several considerations arise:
- Immediate assessment needed: We will need official medical confirmation from both the Albanian federation and his club (Burnley F.C.) to know the exact nature-whether ankle sprain, fracture, ligament damage or worse.
- Previous injury context: Broja has had major setbacks already: ACL tear (2023), ankle and knee issues. This history increases the risk of a longer lay-off, and potential mental/emotional toll as well, given his visible distress.
- Club and national team implications: For Burnley, this could mean further absence for Broja, meaning a re-evaluation of the strike options. For Albania they lose a forward option during their international phase while they head into the playoffs or next campaign.
- Recovery timeline scenarios: If the injury is ankle/ligament-based, rehabilitation could span several weeks to months. If structural (e.g., fracture or major ligament tear), the timeframe extends further. There’s also a risk of recurrence given his pattern.
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Match Report
England dominated possession after the break and broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. Broja came on for Albania in the 75th minute in what looked like a tactical change to spark a response. In the 82nd minute, Kane added a second goal, effectively finishing the contest. Broja’s injury occurred in the 89th-90th minute range, with Albania down to ten men as no substitution was available. when he was removed. Albania’s defence had hung on well until the breakthrough, but couldn’t recover.
From Albania’s perspective, the match showed their fighting spirit but also the gulf in quality. For England, it was a professional and dominant performance that finished their qualification campaign in style.
Conclusion
Armando Broja’s stretchered exit during Albania’s match with England is a sad and worrying moment for the player and fans alike. While the match itself was dominated by England and ended 2-0, the bigger story lies in Broja’s injury and what it might mean for his career path. With his history of major injuries, this incident raises red flags about his availability, his physical resilience, and his mental readiness.
For Albania, this is a blow to their attacking options; for Burnley football club, a reminder of the fragility of relying on a player whose fitness has been compromised. As a fan and observer, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the medical updates and timelines.
FAQs
Q1: When did Broja come on, and when was he injured?
A1: He came on in the 75th minute and was carried off in the 89th-90th minute range after clutching his ankle in apparent pain.
Q2: What is the nature of the injury?
A2: The exact diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed yet. Reports suggest an ankle/lower-leg issue following a dribble and twist.
Q3: How serious might this injury be, given his history?
A3: Very potentially serious, Broja has had ACL, ankle and knee problems. Recurring injuries raise the risk of long-term lay-off and even impact his career trajectory.
Q4: What does this mean for his club and country?
A4: For his club (Burnley), it may mean absence and needing other striking options. For his country (Albania), they lose an attacking asset heading into important phases. Recovery and return timing will be crucial.
Q5: What will fans and observers look out for next?
A5: Official updates from Burnley and the Albanian federation, medical bulletins (e.g., scan results, surgery requirement), projected return date, and how Broja performs upon return (physically and mentally).
