Graham Potter was asked about the availability of two Chelsea players following the defeat to Everton and his answer was telling of one star's future. Both Cesar Azpilicueta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were not named in the Blues' matchday squad for their Premier League clash with Everton, but only one was left out through injury.
“Azpi wasn’t available; he’s had a knock in training. Aubameyang was fit but not selected," Potter revealed after the game. Aubameyang missing out is hardly a surprise anymore and it has been clear for some time that he will not be part of the major Chelsea project set in play by Todd Boehly and the latest comment from the Chelsea boss further proves that.
Following a brief seven-minute cameo from the bench against Tottenham, Aubameyang has not been included the last two matchday squads after being an unused substitute in the narrow win over Leeds. With multiple injured stars returning to the fold, the former Arsenal man has therefore been the player to make way from the travelling party.
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Since his summer move from Barcelona, Aubameyang has made 19 appearances scoring three goals but it has been extremely clear where Potter's team selection priorities lie. The 33-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from west London in January, but Potter quickly rebuffed those claims at the time. "No, nothing to report," he said. "He's been training with us this week. He has been supporting his teammates and while he is here, he is doing what he needs to do."
Despite Potter's claims, there were strong links with MLS side Los Angeles FC and a possible return to Barcelona, however neither materialised. Aubameyang was said to have rejected a move to the United States while a reunion in Spain would have been impossible to complete under La Liga registration rules.
A move back to Catalonia in the summer certainly cannot be ruled out though and it seems Aubameyang and Barcelona would green light the transfer. Following Barcelona's El Clasico win over Real Madrid, Aubameyang was pictured in the dressing room joining in with the celebrations just over 24 hours after Chelsea's draw with Everton.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aubameyang still has an excellent relationship with Barcelona's players, board and manager Xavi. A departure at the end of the season seems inevitable for Aubameyang and his exit looks set to be very similarly to his Arsenal departure in 2022 with a transfer to Barcelona.
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