Federico Chiesa Left Out of Liverpool’s Champions League Squad – But Hope Remains
Liverpool have confirmed their 2025/26 Champions League squad, and one surprising omission has caught fans off guard: Federico Chiesa. Despite his strong start to the new campaign, the 27-year-old Italian winger has not been included in Arne Slot’s list for Europe’s elite competition.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Chiesa. Reports suggest there’s still a chance for him to play European football later this season under specific UEFA registration rules.
Chiesa’s Omission Sparks Fan Frustration
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in the summer of 2024, quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield. Born in Genoa and previously shining for Juventus and Fiorentina, he impressed supporters with his energy, creativity, and determination.
His absence from the Champions League squad has left many Liverpool fans frustrated. One supporter wrote:
“If Arne Slot and the board knew Chiesa wouldn’t be in the UCL squad, they should’ve loaned or sold him. It’s a World Cup year and he wants to be part of Italy’s squad – this feels selfish.”
Chiesa’s Impact at Liverpool So Far
Despite a difficult debut season, where he played just 14 matches (466 minutes) in all competitions and only six in the Premier League, Chiesa has shown promise this campaign.
So far in the 2025/26 season, he has featured in three Premier League games as a substitute and scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 opening-day victory against Bournemouth on 15 August.
In fact, his influence was highlighted back in January 2025 when he became the first Liverpool player since 1906 to win his first eight competitive games for the club.
Why Chiesa’s Champions League Dream Isn’t Over
Even though Chiesa isn’t on the initial list, UEFA rules mean Liverpool could still register him in later stages of the competition if needed. This offers a glimmer of hope for the Italian international, especially with Euro 2026 approaching.
For now, fans will be keeping a close eye on how Slot handles his squad and whether Chiesa earns his chance to shine on the European stage later this season.