Liverpool omit Chiesa from Champions League squad amid injury crisis

Under the floodlights of Anfield on Wednesday, the Liverpool Reds ready themselves for a Champions League opening against Atletico Madrid, yet the 25‑man list they submitted on Tuesday has already sparked debate. Italian winger Federico Chiesa has been left OUT of the UEFA Champions League squad, a fresh blow to his Liverpool hopes.

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's newly appointed manager, confirmed the exclusions on Tuesday, explaining that both Chiesa and Japan midfielder Wataru Endo will not travel to Europe. Their omission comes as the Reds finalise a squad that must meet UEFA's List A criteria.

The story was reported by LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR, on 3 September. His report highlights the impact of the squad list on the Italian forward's prospects.

The decision follows a spate of injuries: centre‑back Giovanni Leoni, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament, and striker Hugo Ekitike, still recovering from an Achilles rupture, have both been named despite long‑term absences. Conor Bradley, sidelined by a knee injury since January, also makes the list, offering fans a glimmer of hope for a return before the league phase ends on 27 January 2027.

Chiesa has missed Liverpool's first two Premier League fixtures with a muscle problem, and the arrival of summer signings Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz pushes him further down the pecking order. The Italian forward, who joined from Juventus in August 2024, now faces limited opportunities.

He previously suffered the same fate under former boss Arne Slot, only to be recalled after Leoni's injury forced a late inclusion. At 28, Chiesa remains eager to prove his worth, but his return to training is expected during the September international break.

The submitted list features three goalkeepers – Alisson, Mamardashvili and Woodman – and a defensive line that includes Van Dijk, Tsimikas and academy graduates Luke Chambers and Isaac Mabaya. Midfield options range from Wirtz and Szoboszlai to 21‑year‑old James McConnell, while the forward line lists Isak, Gakpo, Ekitike and Barcola.

UEFA homegrown quota and young prospects

UEFA rules require at least eight locally trained players in List A, prompting Liverpool to keep youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni on List B until they turn 21. The latest squad announcement also sees Luke Chambers and Isaac Mabaya among the eleven defenders, reflecting the club's emphasis on homegrown talent.

Liverpool open their European campaign at Anfield against Atletico Madrid on 9 September, a match that will test the Reds' depth as they chase a seventh European Cup. In a pre‑match conference before the Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, Iraola outlined his plans, underscoring the challenges ahead.