Chelsea make shock omissions as spending spree impacts Champions League squad

UEFA rules state that only three new players can be registered for the knockout stages, forcing big-spending Chelsea to also omit three of their January signings.

Manager Graham Potter has opted to register his two marquee arrivals in Fernandez and Mudryk, who cost £107million and £88.5m apiece, and Atletico Madrid loanee Felix, who has significant experience in the competition.

Aubameyang was left out despite the option to instead omit youngster Carney Chukwuemeka or third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

He won’t be available as Chelsea travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 15, with the return game at Stamford Bridge on March 7.

In-form defender Benoit Badiashile has also been left out after joining from Monaco for £35m at the start of the January transfer window.

Also not selected are winger Noni Madueke, who was signed from PSV Eindhoven for £29m, striker David Datro Fofana, a £10m arrival from Molde, and midfielder Andrey Santos, who joined for £16m from Vasco da Gama.

Having registered a 24-man squad for the group stage, Chelsea initially had one spot available on List A but freed up another after selling Jorginho to Arsenal for £12m on deadline day.

Aubameyang and the new signings have all had the decision explained to them by Potter ahead of the announcement on Friday.

Potter said: “We’re aware of who we need to speak to. They’re tough decisions, that’s for sure. And each player brings something but we had to decide on the overall make-up of the group, overall make-up of the squad and, yeah, look at it in that way.

“There’s no other way to articulate it, to be honest.”

Chelsea are allowed to register an unlimited amount of players on List B but they need to be under 21 and have been at the club for at least two years.

They have added Lewis Hall, who is increasingly considered a first-team player. Long-term injury absentee Armando Broja was unable to be removed to create space due to his presence on List B and remains in the squad.

Chelsea have registered all their new signings in the Premier League due to less stringent rules in the English top-flight.