Potter anticipates 'a few awkward conversations' over UCL registration rules

Graham Potter suggested that he knows which players will not be included in his Champions League squad, with only three new names allowed to be added at the end of the January transfer window.

The Chelsea boss hinted that he and his team are 'aware of who we need to speak to' and admitted that there were likely to be 'a few awkward conversations'.

The Blues are facing a Champions League headache, with UEFA rules limiting the number of players that can be added to a squad, despite the club's high-profile spending spree that saw them land eight new players in January.

Potter refused to name any names of who might be left out of the squad, but did reveal that Joao Felix was still in contention.

The Portuguese star arrived in west London on loan from Atletico Madrid, but has only featured once for his new club after receiving a red card for a challenge against Friday's opponents Fulham.

'We've got a bit of time before we have to make the decision, but we're aware of who we need to speak to,' Potter revealed, when asked at Thursday's press-conference whether he had decided which players would make the cut.

'There's going to be a few awkward conversations and that's the reality of where we are because only 11 can play, only a certain amount can be in squads so there's always going to be ones that are disappointed.

'It's about being as honest and open and respectful and transparent as you can, and creating an environment where you respect the fact that people want to play, that players want to compete and help the team, but they have to wait and be patient.'

And when asked whether Felix was also in with a chance to make the cut, Potter kept his cards close to his chest, saying: 'He's in contention.'

Chelsea brought in six new players over the January transfer window, including Felix, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, and David Datro Fofana.

The club also finalised a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, who will join the club at the end of the season.

However, several faces will now face the disappointment of not having the chance to represent their new side in Europe's premier club competition.

In total, the club spent over £323million on new signings in January alone, having already signed seven players in the summer window.

Article 46.01 of the Champions League regulations states: 'As of the round of 16, a club may register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition.

'Such registration must be completed by 2 February 2023 (24.00CET) at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.'

And in addition to that, Article 46.03 of the rules says: 'If the registration of such new players causes the number of players on List A to exceed 25, the club must remove the necessary number of currently registered players to reduce the squad to 25 players again.'

The club will be able to remove players already on the squad list that are currently out with injury, and therefore unable to feature in the competition anyway.

Christian Pulisic and Wesley Fofana are currently out for extended periods of time, while loanee Denis Zakaria could also be chopped.