Chelsea must remove these two players to register Felix, Mudryk and Badiashile in UCL squad

Chelsea are splashing the cash once again as they continue their squad overhaul under Todd Boehley’s ownership. The arrival of Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile has surely given hopes that Chelsea can resurrect themselves in the Premier League and go deep in the Champions League.

Chelsea have added considerable strength in their attack with the big name arrivals of Felix and Mudryk. CFC have continued to reinforce their central defence with Badiashile, who was mightily impressive on his Chelsea debut against Crystal Palace. Mudryk deal was hijacked under Arsenal’s noses and the Ukrainian is regarded as a wizard on the left flank.

The Blues might be struggling in the Premier League but their UEFA Champions League group stage was excellent, winning four of the six games and losing just one. CFC also topped the table and are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.

However, there is a problem that persists and CFC needs to find a solution to it as soon as possible. Felix, Mudryk and Badiashile all qualify as non-homegrown players and Chelsea have just one spot available in their Champions League squad. The only way the Blues can register all three January signings in the UCL squad is if they remove two non-homegrown players.

Chelsea need to remove two non-homegrown players to register Mykhailo Mudryk, Felix and Badiashile

As per the rules, a team is allowed to have 17 non-homegrown players in their Champions League squad. New Chelsea signings Felix, Mudryk and Badiashile can only be registered if two non-homegrown players are removed from the current Champions League squad, so Chelsea needs to make a few tough decisions as the exclusion of some names is certain.

CFC winger Christian Pulisic could be a candidate to be excluded from the squad as the USMNT international recovers from a knee injury that will surely keep him out for the next two months. The arrival of Mudryk means that he is likely to take the starting spot in Potter’s side. If needed even Felix can operate from the left wing. Even Raheem Sterling can operate on the left wing, giving Potter a host of options to choose from.

Given Pulisic’s injury problems and the availability of superior options could mean that the 24 year old loses his place in the Champions League squad. The player’s exclusion could depend on the outcome of his future till the end of the January transfer window.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been trusted in entirety by Potter and reports are circulating that he is open to leaving Chelsea and re-join Barcelona. Barcelona sold him to CFC six months ago and are open to having him back at the club but only on a free transfer.

In case Aubameyang leaves Stamford Bridge by the end of January, his departure will automatically vacate one non-homegrown player spot allowing Chelsea to register all three of their new signings for the UCL knockout stages.

Will Mykhailo Mudryk be the difference maker for CFC?