Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wasn’t named in the starting XI for their draw against Brentford.
The striker has been in good form since his summer move from Barcelona to the Blues, having acquired three goals in all competitions.
However, he started on the bench when Chelsea made the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on Wednesday, with the two sides drawing 0-0 on the night.
Armando Broja and Kai Havertz both started in the stalemate against the Bees, with the former earning himself his first start for the club.
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Aubameyang was brought on as a substitute in the second half and did well in his limited appearance, but was unable to find a winner.
Potter made a series of rotational changes to his starting XI, and is likely to do the same over the next few weeks before the World Cup.
After the draw on the road, the head coach explained to the media in his post-match press conference why Aubameyang did not start the game.
He said: "I know the reasons why because it's the load of him and we have to manage that and it gives Kai the chance to score. I understand the question."
Potter also praised Broja for his involvement in the draw, with the Albanian coming close to netting his second goal for the club in the first half of the match.
"We saw two or three actions in the first half of what he's about,” said the 47-year-old.
“Brentford press high and Armando we thought we could use him.
“He did okay for his first game. Because it was his first game we thought 60 minutes enough."
Chelsea had to battle hard for the point against the Bees, who were ultimately the side who came closest to scoring all game.
Both Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo had their own chances to score for the hosts, but they were denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard is currently on a solid run of form for the Blues, having now kept five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
Chelsea are also still unbeaten under Potter, who joined as their head coach at the beginning of September.
The west London side have conceded just twice during his tenure, and their performances have seen them rise up the Premier League table and take one step closer to the Champions League knockout stages.
Potter’s side will now prepare to face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with the Blues eyeing another win and clean sheet.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Brentford, Premier League
Robert Calcutt