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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Liverpool Exclude Star Forward From Their 22-Man Champions League Squad

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 sprung a major surprise by leaving out one of their senior forwards from their 22-man Champions League squad. The player in question is Federico Chiesa, who endured a frustrating debut season at Anfield. The former Juventus forward had been strongly linked with a move back to Serie A earlier this summer.

However, the Italian opted to stay at Liverpool this season after Luis Diaz departed Liverpool to join Bayern Munich. Chiesa resolved to stay and fight for his place this season. Chiesa’s stunning 89th-minute volley against Bournemouth in the league opener helped him change his mind.

Chiesa Misses Out on Liverpool’s Champions League Squad

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has decided to leave out Federico Chiesa from Liverpool ’s 22-man Champions League squad. Despite featuring in all three of the club’s opening Premier League fixtures, Chiesa was overlooked for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign.

🚨🔴 Federico Chiesa has been omitted from Liverpool Champions League squad.

Rio Ngumoha is included in the squad. 💎 pic.twitter.com/nU4epUWp9K
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2025

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Instead, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha has been handed a spot as Slot rewarded the teenager for his impressive early-season form and dramatic winner against Newcastle. The decision underlines Liverpool’s intent to place faith in youth. With Ngumoha named in Liverpool’s Champions League Squad, Arne Slot has made it clear that the door is open for youth to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.

UEFA regulations allow clubs to register up to 25 A-list players, with eight places reserved for homegrown or locally trained talents. In addition, there is no limit to the number of players included on the B-list, typically made up of academy prospects.

Also Read: Arsenal Pull Off Late Move for Bundesliga Star Defender Piero Hincapie

Liverpool will return to action after the international break on September 14 when they travel to face Burnley in the Premier League. The Reds head into the break sitting top of the table with three wins from three. Meanwhile, the Reds resume their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid just three days later.

Arne Slot

Champions League

Federico Chiesa

Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha

Abhinav Goel

soccer

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.