Graham Potter ready for ‘awkward Chelsea conversations’ ahead of UCL squad selection, Felix in contention

Graham Potter accepts awkward and honest conversations will have to be had when deciding his Champions League squad for the knockouts.

Chelsea are preparing to face Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 later this month when they travel to Signal Iduna Park for the first leg.

However, Chelsea are yet to name their 25-man squad for the Champions League knockout stages and have to do so before the end of Thursday 2nd February 2023.

For the group stages, a 24-man squad was named on the A list, however that has now dropped to 23 following the departure of Jorginho to Arsenal.

Chelsea signed eight new players in January, with Malo Gusto returning to Lyon on loan until the end of the season, but only a maximum of three can be registered.

This will mean at least four players will miss out. Should three be registered, Potter will have to decide which player who is currently registered to unregister.

David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Noni Madueke are almost certain to miss out, but the question remains over the final four: Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez.

Mudryk and Fernandez are bound to be included due to their staggering £88 million and £106.8 million, respectively, acquisitions in January, while Potter is likely to be torn between selecting Badiashile or Felix.

Ahead of his final decision, he remained coy and admitted there will be awkward conversations, but he wouldn’t shy away from the big decision.

He said: “We have a bit of time and aware of who we need to speak to.

“There will be a few awkward conversations, that’s the reality. It’s about being honest, open, respectful and transparent.”

Pressed on whether Felix would be included due to only being on loan, Potter responded: “He’s is in contention, yes.”