April 27, 2025; Anfield, Liverpool, BRITAIN; Liverpool player Mohamed Salah celebrates after winning the Premier League. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

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Why Did Liverpool Exclude Federico Chiesa From Their 29-Man Asia Tour Squad?

Chiesa had impressed earlier in the day by scoring in a 5-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre.

April 27, 2025; Anfield, Liverpool, BRITAIN; Liverpool player Mohamed Salah celebrates after winning the Premier League. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

Liverpool have confirmed a 29-man squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of Asia as preparations continue ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Arne Slot’s side will first travel to Hong Kong where they will face AC Milan. The Premier League champions will then head on to Japan to take on Yokohama F Marinos in the J.League World Challenge.

The Reds have named a strong group, with senior players such as Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister among those travelling. New signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman have also been included. Meanwhile, youngsters such as Rio Ngumoha, Ben Doak, Trey Nyoni and Luca Stephenson have also bben included. Armin Pecsi and Kornel Misciur will bolster the goalkeeping ranks for the Reds.

Why Did Liverpool Exclude Federico Chiesa From Asia Tour Squad?

One notable absentee from the Liverpool squad for the pre-season tour is Italian forward Federico Chiesa. The speedy attacker joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer. Chiesa failed to make it to Liverpool’s squad for the trip to Asia. The club described the decision as precautionary, citing a minor physical issue.

🚨🚫 Federico Chiesa, left out of Liverpool squad for the pre-season tour as he’s expected to leave this summer.

Luis Diaz, not part of the squad for the friendly game today but regularly included in squad for pre-season tour. pic.twitter.com/K96pMCWeYr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025

Chiesa’s omission comes amid growing uncertainty over his Liverpool future. Chiesa had impressed earlier in the day by scoring in a 5-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre. However, he was left behind on Merseyside for further assessment.

Notably, the Italian attacker has struggled for regular minutes under Arne Slot. Despite his reputation, he has found game time hard to come by with Mohamed Salah’s continued dominance on the right flank. With Liverpool open to offers and Chiesa eager for a fresh start, his absence from the tour only adds fuel to speculation over a potential summer departure.

Full Liverpool Squad For Asia Tour

Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, Robertson, Gravenberch, Doak, Woodman, Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Wirtz, Frimpong, Pecsi, Ngumoha, Misciur, Morton, Bradley, Stephenson, Nyoni.

Arne Slot

Federico Chiesa

Liverpool

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.