Thomas Tuchel was uncommitted when asked if Armando Broja could become a center-forward for Chelsea, saying his form on loan did not prove he was good enough for Chelsea and his injury hindered his chances of breaking into the first team, not improving.
With the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner this summer and the lack of a natural striker, Broia looks set to impress at Chelsea this season.
The 20-year-old was on loan at Southampton last season, has scored nine goals in all competitions, and has been a substitute in both of the Blues' Premier League games so far this season.
However, he will miss Chelsea's trip to Leeds on Sunday with a minor injury and Tuchel sounds slightly disappointed by the striker's fitness issues. The German manager says the Albania international has a great chance to prove himself this season but has warned him against it because he has a lot to prove.
Asked if Broja could be number nine this season, Tuchel told a news conference: "Yes and no. We know enough about him, but playing on loan and playing at a club like Chelsea is one thing.
"He was injured in pre-season and now he is injured again, it doesn't help us to have a clear idea of ??what he can give us. I think this is a great opportunity for Armando to make a difference at Chelsea.
Chelsea has been linked with signing new strikers, most notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but none appear to be imminent.
Tuchel certainly wants more additions to his squad, knowing they have plenty of games ahead as they compete on four fronts. "I think we can compete with this group, but it's one thing to compete once a week and another to compete 60 times a year three times a week," he said.
"You have to have players fighting for their places and minutes. It's not just about tactics and team spirit, it's about team depth and challenge."
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