Graham Potter has suggested that he has no concerns over the future mentality of Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was left out of two squads on Friday.
Aubameyang has failed to produce his best form since leaving Barcelona for Stamford Bridge during the summer window, scoring just three goals in 10 starts and seven substitute appearances in all competitions.
Having made one cameo outing for Barcelona before his exit, the 33-year-old was not in a position where he could sign for another club during January, something which may have been preferred by all parties given the level of investment made by Chelsea's owners.
Although the Gabon international's place in Chelsea's Champions League squad did not seem under threat due to the club's lack of frontline strikers, he was omitted when the changes were made on Friday.
Furthermore, Aubameyang was not named in the squad for Friday's Premier League encounter with Fulham, one which ended goalless, and the player travelled to Milan instead of attending the game.
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After the stalemate with their London rivals, Potter was naturally quizzed on a number of factors regarding Aubameyang, yet he has indicated that he expects no issues regarding his professionalism.
Speaking to reporters about the Champions League decision, Potter said: "I don't think it's going to be difficult because Pierre is a professional and of course, I understand he will be disappointed.
"It was a tough decision, a tough call. We had three coming in and two had to go out. He was the one that missed out, he's done nothing wrong at all."
On Aubameyang not featuring in the squad for the top-flight fixture, the Englishman added: "We wanted to give David [Datro Fofana] some game time today to see where he's at and to give him that opportunity.
"I think you saw that one flash that he's got. Pierre is just unfortunate and he will be fighting for his place for the rest of the season."
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Potter was also pushed on how Aubameyang reacted to the decision, admitting that it had been a "difficult" conversation with the former Arsenal man.
"Yeah, it was difficult because I am empathetic so I understand his disappointment but I've got a responsibility to make these tough decisions and to articulate them as honestly and as well as I can to the player and then respect the fact that he's going to be disappointed," Potter said.
"He's handled it very well, trained today fantastically which is what I would expect. He's been a top guy for us."
Chelsea are next in action when they encounter another London derby next weekend, this time away at West Ham United on February 11.
Darren Plant
