Graham Potter has discussed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he prepares to face his former team when Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues come into the London derby against the Gunners with a few injury concerns after Potter confirmed both Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga will miss the clash against the Premier League leaders. Chelsea head into the game following a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Potter's former side Brighton in their last Premier League game, looking to bounce back against a confident Arsenal side after Mikel Arteta's side beat Nottingham Forest 5-0 last weekend.
Aubameyang will line up for the Blues against his former side after he left the Emirates Stadium to sign for Barcelona, before securing a return to England on deadline day. The Gabonese striker has spoken out on his exit from Arsenal in the past and had some pretty damning words for Arteta who refused to get involved in a war of words with the 33-year-old.
READ MORE: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's four-word Chelsea call out
Speaking in his pre-Arsenal press conference, Potter played down talk of Aubameyang playing against the Gunners claiming the 'past is the past' for the Gabon international. The Chelsea manager said: "It's a big game, it’s a London derby.
"Two good teams. Arsenal are doing really well. History makes it an interesting one for Auba, but the past is the past. We’re just looking at the game.
"We shouldn’t make it about him. It’s about the team. He’s an important part of the team. For us to get the result we want, that takes everyone, not just one person.
"I understand the headlines and interest is around him because it's Arsenal and there's a narrative around that. There's nothing we can do about that. But as a team and a group, we have to play well ourselves."
When asked whether Aubameyang has something to prove on Sunday as he faces Arteta and Arsenal for the first time since leaving the Gunners in the January transfer window earlier this year, Potter was adamant in rejecting the claim. The Blues boss added: "I don't think so.
"I think he’s looking forward to the game, excited for it. He’s been pretty normal from what I’ve seen. He's quite a quiet guy. I’m sure come match day he’ll be determined."
Potter will be hoping Aubameyang can come back to haunt his former side on Sunday afternoon as the Blues aim to reclaim a top four spot before the Premier League pauses for the World Cup later this month.
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