)
Chelsea boss Graham Potter offers Aubameyang solace despite dropping him from the squad
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has spoken in favour of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, defending the striker despite dropping him.
Aubameyang has become an outcast at Chelsea having been left out of the club's UEFA Champions League squad.
The 33-year-old was also left on the bench as an unused substitute by Potter even as Chelsea tried to find a breakthrough in the goalless game at home to Fulham.
Potter speaks on Aubameyang
"He has done nothing wrong at all, it is just unfortunate and he will fight for his place until the rest of the season," Potter said when asked about Aubameyang after the game.
)
"I don't think it's going to be difficult because Pierre is a professional. He was the one that missed out, he's done nothing wrong at all," Potter continued.
The English manager also revealed why he did not use Aubameyang despite needing a goal against Fulham, instead opting to bring on David Datro Fofana.
"We wanted to give David some time today. Whichever decision there was always going to be a debate. It was my decision, a tough decision," Potter explained.
)
The English manager emphasised "Nothing bad against him I understand his disappointment but I've got a responsibility to make these decisions and articulate them to the player.
"He handled it well and trained well today... Yes [he can fit in the system], everything is up for grabs and needs to train like today. Everything is up for grabs," Potter said.
)
Aubameyang has scored just three times in the 17 appearances he has made for the Blues since his arrival from Barcelona and has not started a single game since against Arsenal in November 2022.
Related content
)
23:05 - 03.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Big-spending Chelsea frustrated by Fulham
Chelsea's extraordinary exploits in the transfer market failed to have an immediate impact on the pitch, as they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
)
21:03 - 03.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea v Fulham as it happened
Chelsea fielded five of their eight January signings but could not find a way past a dogged Fulham team in the West London derby.
)
20:20 - 03.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Enzo Fernandez makes Chelsea debut as he also makes Champions League squad
The Blues record-signing makes his debut in the Premier League debut just 48 hours after his arrival.
)
19:13 - 03.02.2023
FPL January signings you should get in your team
The January transfer window has closed and what that means for FPL is that there are shiny new players we can add to our teams.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)