Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is eagerly anticipating his reunion with Arsenal in Sunday’s London derby. However, manager Graham Potter prefers to shift the focus away from the striker as his team aims for a morale-boosting victory.
Aubameyang had a falling out with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last season due to disciplinary issues. He lost the captaincy and had his contract terminated before moving to Barcelona in February. The Gabonese international, 33, returned to the Premier League in September, joining Chelsea and scoring three times in 11 games.
Potter emphasized moving past the history, stating, “The past is the past as far as we’re concerned. I don’t think we should make it about him. He is an important part of the team for us, but it takes everybody, not just one person. I understand the interest around him because it’s Arsenal. I think he’s looking forward to the game, excited for it.”
Chelsea secured a crucial Champions League victory midweek after a dip in domestic form. Despite setbacks against Brentford and Manchester United, and a 4-1 defeat to Potter’s former club Brighton & Hove Albion, they aim to bounce back in the London derby.
With 31 points from 12 games, league leaders Arsenal are 10 points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea. Arsenal, who recently thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0, have improved their record at Stamford Bridge and won on their last two visits.
Potter acknowledged the recent challenges, stating, “Recently, it hasn’t gone so well,” as Chelsea has won only one of their last five league meetings with Arsenal. Looking ahead to the derby, he said, “It’s a London derby, and anything can happen in the game. We want to be positive, play well, and get the crowd involved.”
Concerns loom over England defender Ben Chilwell’s hamstring injury, with a scan scheduled to determine its extent. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb, putting Chilwell’s World Cup participation in doubt. Potter mentioned, “Until we get the scan, it’s difficult to say,” acknowledging the uncertainty.
Additionally, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is unlikely to feature for Chelsea before the World Cup, while midfielder Mateo Kovacic is in contention for the Arsenal clash after returning to training on Friday.