Only three of the 6,000 signings will play in the Champions League
Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix are set to be the three players added to Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages.
Chelsea qualified for the latter stages, where they will face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 stages as they look to life the European crown for the third time.
The Blues have also been extremely busy in the January window, signing eight new players (Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, Felix, Mudryk, Fernandez, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto).
Smile, and the whole world smiles with you. 😁 pic.twitter.com/TiDhCwlzgB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 1, 2023
However, as per Champions League rules, Graham Potter can only register three new players, meaning that one of the current 25-man squad will also have to lose their place.
According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, club-record signing Fernandez, Ukrainian star Mudryk and Felix will be the trio added to the squad.
Yet to receive confirmation from the club or Uefa but my expectation is Fernandez, Mudryk and Felix will all be registered to play for Chelsea in the Champions League. Not so easy to predict is the one player who will be unregistered….
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) February 3, 2023
Pierre Emetic-Aubameyang is the casualty to drop outside of the squad, meaning that there is no room for Chelsea’s only out and out striker.
Many of their new arrivals could be in line for their Chelsea debuts on Friday when they host west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Both sides have European aspirations but with Chelsea languishing in 10th, their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via a top four finish seem unlikely.
Fulham won their last encounter, beating the Blues 2-1 courtesy of a last-minute goal from Carlos Vinicius.
Related links:
- The barely believable transfer history quiz of Chelsea football club
- Enzo Fernandez could wear two shirt numbers for Chelsea this season
- Chelsea failed with deadline day bid to sign World Cup star
