Slot explains Chiesa’s absence from Liverpool’s Champions League squad
Liverpool have confirmed their squad for the Champions League group stage — and notably, one of the club’s senior attackers, Federico Chiesa, has been left out.
The 27-year-old Italian international was the most high-profile exclusion from the 22-man squad, with UEFA regulations limiting clubs to 17 non-homegrown players — forcing some difficult decisions.
Slot on the tough call to omit Chiesa
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Burnley, manager Arne Slot admitted it was one of the hardest decisions he’s faced since taking charge.
“As a manager, it’s never easy to leave a player out of the matchday squad, but leaving someone out of the Champions League list is even tougher,” Slot said. “I explained the reasoning to him — of course, he was disappointed, but I think he respected the decision.”
Chiesa has played in all three of Liverpool’s Premier League matches so far this season and even scored in the opening-night win against Bournemouth. But with high-profile arrivals like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak joining the squad this summer, competition for attacking spots has intensified.
Slot continued: “He responded how you’d hope a top professional would. He’s focused on helping us in the league and cup competitions and is working incredibly hard in training to stay ready.”
What Chiesa’s omission means for the season ahead
Chiesa, who wears the No.14 shirt, will now concentrate on making an impact in the Premier League and domestic cups until at least February, when UEFA squads can be updated ahead of the knockout stages.
After declining a recent international call-up, it’s clear the winger is prioritizing his club form. And with Liverpool set to compete on multiple fronts, his role could still prove crucial as rotation becomes essential.
Though disappointed to miss out on European action for now, Chiesa has the opportunity to prove his worth and force his way back into the Champions League picture later in the season.
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