Falcao dropped in favour of Pato in Chelsea's Champions League squad
Radamel Falcao has been omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the remainder of the season, but new signing Alexandre Pato is included.
The Blues on Wednesday released their squad lists for the rest of the campaign, following Monday’s closure of the transfer window, with Colombian Falcao absent from the group for Europe’s elite competition.
Falcao, who has not played since October due to a thigh injury, will therefore miss the Champions League last-16 tie with Paris St-Germain. The first leg takes place at Parc des Princes on February 16 and the second at Stamford Bridge on March 9.
On-loan Monaco striker Falcao, who had an ill-fated loan at Manchester United, has scored once so far on his season-long stint at Chelsea. He is named in the Premier League squad list.
Falcao was linked with a deadline day move to former club Atletico Madrid or Valencia, while his parent club Monaco earlier in January ruled out a return citing concerns over his fitness.
There is one realistic remaining avenue for an exit for the Colombian as China’s transfer window does not close until February 26.
Pato signed last week on a six-month loan from Corinthians, but has not played since November.
Still, he’s included in both lists alongside Matt Miazga, the 20-year-old defender signed from the New York Red Bulls.
