Manager Unai Emery has revealed that Jhon Duran will be sidelined for a number of weeks through injury.
Duran has just completed a year in the West Midlands with the forward costing £18m when he signed from MLS side Chicago Fire.
However, having failed to make a Premier League start in 12 months, with all 26 of his top-flight outings coming from the substitutes' bench, there has been speculation regarding his long-term future.
In recent weeks, Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Colombia international as they consider ways to strengthen their attacking ranks.
With 20-year-old Duran fitting the profile that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital prefer, a switch to Stamford Bridge felt more of a realistic possibility than it perhaps initially seemed.
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Nevertheless, Chelsea's co-owners may now have second thoughts with Duran due to miss several matches, including the FA Cup fourth round tie between the teams on Friday night.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Emery said: "Jhon Duran is now injured, but I am happy with him.
"The last action against Everton he was injured. For the next weeks he is not going to be available."
Chelsea may now decide to focus their attention elsewhere, or retain the services of Armando Broja with several interested teams yet to be tempted into meeting their demands.
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The West Londoners would have only moved for Duran had they been able to facilitate a permanent or temporary departure for Broja, who would cost at least £35m.
Gary O'Neil hinted on Thursday that Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of the clubs said to be keen on Broja, have determined that they cannot afford to acquire one of their currently shortlisted targets.
From Villa's perspective, they have never been in any rush to part ways with Duran, who has made seven starts and 16 substitute outings in all competitions to his name during 2023-24.
Villa are allegedly attempting to secure a deal for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers before the end of the month, with the versatile attacker said to be valued in excess of £10m.
Darren Plant
