Graham Potter has decided to leave Benoit Badiashile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of Chelsea's squad for the Champions League knockout stages.
The subject has been a hot topic for debate since it became clear that Chelsea would make more than three star additions during the January transfer window.
With only three changes to the European squad permitted, Potter acknowledged on Thursday that he faced some "awkward conversations" with players who would be left out.
Having spent a near-combined total of £200m on Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk, it was assumed that the central midfielder and winger would take up two of the spots.
Realistically, that left Potter to decide between centre-back Badiashile, winger Noni Madueke and forward Joao Felix, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid.
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Despite the feeling that the Englishman may show preference to another player who has been signed on a permanent deal, Felix has been given the nod ahead of the other pair, as well as Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana.
Badiashile will feel particularly unfortunate having impressed in his two Premier League starts against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, helping Chelsea keep clean sheets in each contest.
However, the feeling will be that Chelsea are already well stocked in that area with Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana all representing four recognised options.
Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marc Cucurella are also capable of being used in a back three if required, while Denis Zakaria has also played as centre-back on rare occasions previously in his career.
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Felix's selection has come at the expense of Aubameyang, who has struggled for form and fitness since moving back to London from Barcelona.
Just three goals have been netted in 10 starts and seven substitute outings in all competitions, and it is accepted that he does not have a long-term future at the club.
Nevertheless, the Gabon international's omission means that Chelsea head into the knockout stages with only Felix and Kai Havertz as their options down the middle of the attack.
Chelsea have been drawn to face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, the first leg of that tie taking place in Germany on February 15.
Darren Plant
