Your morning Chelsea digest on Sunday, February 5.
Potter explains Aubameyang decision
Graham Potter has explained the decision-making behind leaving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of Chelsea's Champions League squad for the knockout stages Aubameyang was the unfortunate figure to be removed to accommodate the three new names amid severe doubts over his future in west London.
"I don't think it's going to be difficult because Pierre is a professional and of course, I understand he will be disappointed," Potter said. "It was a tough decision, a tough call. We had three in and two had to go out. He was the one that missed out, he's done nothing wrong at all.
READ MORE: Fulham post subtle Reece James dig as Chelsea star returns from injury
"We wanted to give David some game time today to see where he's at and give him that opportunity. I think you saw that one flash that's he got. Pierre is just unfortunate and he will be fighting for his place for the rest of the season.
"Whichever decision we made there was always going to be a conversation about it but it was my decision. It was a tough decision absolutely, sometimes you have to make these calls but it's absolutely nothing bad against him. He's done nothing wrong at all."
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Hansi Flick theory
Chelsea fans have a wild theory that Todd Boehly is lining-up a move to replace Graham Potter with Germany national team head coach Hansi Flick.
The board have reiterated their faith in Potter beyond the current campaign, despite some troubling opening months in charge. However, supporters have sparked a theory of their own regarding the 47-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge.
Flick was pictured in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Friday alongside a club official. The former Bayern Munich head coach was at last season's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City to monitor his German figures who were in action - Timo Werner, Ilkay Gundogan, Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger.
However, in the fixture against Fulham, Havertz was the only German in action and supporters have speculated that he is in line to be Potter's successor should the Englishman fail to achieve success at the club
Read more here.
Chilwell sends Chelsea message
Chilwell returned to action on Friday evening, coming on late in 0-0 draw with Fulham. The left-back had missed the last three months after picking up an injury in the Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
Chilwell's presence in Potter's backline will be an encouraging boost for the second half of the season. And after making his return from injury, the former Leicester City man has thanked the Blues faithful for their support.
Writing on Instagram, he wrote: "Thank you chels fans for the warm welcome back. Big second half of the season ahead!"
READ NEXT :
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