Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has attempted to play down the narrative of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing his first fixture against former club Arsenal on Sunday.
Between 2018 and 2022, the forward enjoyed a productive period at the Emirates Stadium, contributing 92 goals from his 163 appearances in all competitions.
However, the Gabon international's departure came after he had previously been stripped of the club's captaincy by Mikel Arteta, and it has been suggested that the pair did not part on positive terms.
Last month, Aubameyang was critical of Arteta's management style, claiming that the Spaniard did not know how to manage big players.
Although Aubameyang apologised soon afterwards, Arteta stated two days later that he had never experienced "a more hard-working dressing room".
The 33-year-old is expected to feature in Chelsea's starting lineup when the two clubs lock horns at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.
Acknowledging the background and narrative at a pre-match press conference, Potter admitted that he did not want the game to become solely about his first-choice frontman.
Speaking to reporters, Potter said: "It's a big game, it's a London derby. Two good teams, Arsenal are doing really well. Obviously the history makes it an interesting one for Auba, but the past is the past as far as we are concerned. We are just looking forward to the game and trying to play well.
When pushed on whether added motivation for Aubameyang may influence Chelsea, the Englishman added: "I don't think we should make it about him. It's about the team. He's an important part of the team. For us to get the result that we want, it will take everybody, not just one person.
"But I understand that the headlines and the interest are about him. It's Arsenal and there is a narrative around that. There's nothing that we can do about that.
Since leaving Barcelona for West London in September, Aubameyang has contributed three goals and two assists from his nine starts and two substitute outings for Chelsea.
However, his former club currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings, 10 points clear of Chelsea who occupy sixth position.
By kickoff on Sunday lunchtime, Arsenal may have dropped down to second and Chelsea to eighth if results on Saturday go against them. body check tags ::
