Armando Broja has had a slow start to life at Fulham (Picture: Getty Images)
Marco Silva has told Armando Broja that he is going to have to be patient as the Chelsea loanee continues to wait for his first Fulham start.
The 22-year-old made the very short journey across west London from Stamford Bridge to Craven Cottage at the start of February, joining on loan until the end of the season.
His first team opportunities were limited under Mauricio Pochettino and he was hoping for plenty more of them under Silva, but that has yet to materialise.
The Albania international has come off the bench in the Premier League twice and missed the last match with Aston Villa due to illness, so has played just 31 minutes in the top flightsince the move on 1 February.
His chances have not been boosted by the fact that Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz has been in fine form, scoring four goals in his last three games.
Silva says there is no other choice for Broja but to be patient, wait for his opportunity and make the most of it when it comes.
‘He has to wait for his chance,’ said Silva. ‘We really believe he is the right guy to be here. He arrived on deadline day before the Burnley game and he had 20 minutes on the pitch but Rodrigo scored and then the game after Rodrigo scored twice.
Marco Silva has options in attack (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Unfortunately for him, last week he was unwell and missed the match but now he is available and I will decide what the best solution will be to start the game.
‘He’s working hard at a different club with a different style and he needs time to adapt and understand things. It takes time but we can see his quality.’
Out of all cup competitions, Fulham only have Premier League action to come for the rest of the campaign.
The Cottagers go to Manchester United on Saturday, where Broja would love to make his breakthrough, before hosting Brighton a week later.
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