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Chelsea leave out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and four new signings from the Champions League squad

According to The Athletic (subscription required), Chelsea have left out striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and four January signings – Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke and Andrey Santos from the Champions League squad.

On the other hand, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and record transfer signing Enzo Fernandez have been included. Another player excluded is goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

All the five players that are excluded (except Aubameyang) do not need to be registered in the Premier League squad as they are aged 21 or under. But UEFA rules suggest that they have to be in the squad for at least two years for this exemption to be applied in the Champions League.

Chelsea have left out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from their Champions League squad. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Talking about Aubameyang, it must have been disappointing for the player to know that he won’t be playing in the highest level of European competition. Having signed for Chelsea last summer, the former Arsenal striker has struggled for form and goals.

If we look at the numbers, the 33-year-old has only managed three goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. Although he signed a three-year deal with the club at the time of his arrival (two plus an option to make it three), we won’t be surprised if he is sold in the summer.

Mykhailo Mudryk is included in the squad. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

On the positive front, it is great to see the likes of Mudryk, Felix and Fernandez included. All three played for their previous clubs in the Champions League group stages earlier this season. Since the cup-tied rule is not there anymore, they can play for Chelsea in the knockout ties.

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Badiashile had two back-to-back good games in the league, partnering Thiago Silva and being solid in defence. He would be a miss when we resume our European campaign with a tricky last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund this month.