Falcao out, Pato in as Chelsea announce Champions League squad By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 03/02/16 8:14pm
Radamel Falcao has been left out of Chelsea's squad for the remainder of their Champions League campaign but new boy Alexandre Pato has made the cut. The Blues released their squad lists on Wednesday and, although Falcao is named in the Premier League group, he will miss out on the last-16 Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, plus any subsequent matches. The Colombian striker endured an unsuccessful loan stint at Manchester United last term and, having subsequently joined the Blues on a season-long loan deal, the Monaco man has scored just one goal so far and has been out with a thigh injury since October. He was linked with Deadline Day moves to former club Atletico Madrid and Valencia but neither materialised and, if he is to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the season, China appears to be the only realistic possibility as their transfer window remains open until February 26.
Falcao's omission from the Champions League squad means there is room for Brazil international Pato, who has not played since November. The 26-year-old, who has arrived on loan from Corinthians for the rest of the season, is named in both squads, as is Matt Miazga, the 20-year-old defender who joined from New York Red Bulls. Pato told the Chelsea website: "I feel very good physically.
"Obviously as a player you need game-time to be at your best but I feel prepared, I have been training well, and hopefully with games and time I can adapt.
"I have heard a lot about the Premier League and I had the chance to play against English opposition when I was at AC Milan, including Chelsea.
"It's a different league, very hard, very physical, with a lot of contact, and hopefully with my pace and my ability I will be able to help the team. I'm hoping to contribute a lot and have a great time here.
"I know I only have a few months until the end of the season but what I can promise is that I am prepared to do my best, and I am prepared to play to the best of my ability to help during the few months left of the campaign."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10154661/falcao-out-pato-in-as-chelsea-announce-champions-league-squad
