Former Barcelona and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reacted to being axed from Chelsea's Champions League squad for the upcoming knockout stage. The 33-year-old striker has expressed his displeasure after been removed from the team's 25-man squad to accommodate one of the club's new signings to the surprise of fans.
Chelsea's dealings in the winter transfer market did not go unnoticed, with the club reshuffling their pack by adding the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix, and Benoit Badiashile to their roster. The lavish spending, however, has come with consequences as far as their participation in the UEFA Champions League is concerned.
Ahead of the knockout stage, Chelsea were required to present their 25-man squad to UEFA. Although the departure of Jorginho to Arsenal freed up a slot for Graham Potter's side, they still had to make adjustments to make space for their new recruits. In the end, the club arrived at the decision to drop Aubamayeng, paving the way for Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk. Still, there was no room for Benoit Badiashile and winger Noni Madueketo be registered as well following their respective arrivals last month.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea's ruthless decision has left Aubameyang 'shocked and disappointed'. The striker played a key role in the Champions League campaign earlier this season under Thomas Tuchel but the sack of the German coach and the arrival Graham Potter has resulted in him being reduced to a squad player.
Speculations from the UK on Friday indicated that the player could possibly cut ties with Chelsea and consider a move elsewhere in the coming days as the transfer window in some countries are still open. The former Arsenal man was once again an unused substitute as the Blues were held to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge by Fulham on Friday night.
