Liverpool may exploit UEFA’s new injury rule to add Federico Chiesa to their Champions League squad after his shock omission. Full details here.

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign has taken an unexpected twist following the shock omission of Italian winger Federico Chiesa from the club’s official UEFA squad list. The decision, which raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, may not be the final word, however. Thanks to a recent UEFA rule change, the Reds could still find a way to register Chiesa in Europe’s biggest competition—an option that Chelsea and other clubs have previously explored.

Why Chiesa Was Left Out

When Liverpool submitted their 22-man List A squad for the 2025/26 Champions League, Chiesa’s name was missing. This came as a surprise given his international pedigree, his proven quality from his time at Juventus, and his promising flashes in Liverpool’s early domestic fixtures.

The main reason behind the snub lies in UEFA’s squad registration rules. Clubs are required to reserve at least eight slots for homegrown players, with no more than 17 non-homegrown players permitted. Liverpool had already filled up their quota of foreign-trained stars, forcing manager Arne Slot and his staff to make some difficult calls.

In the end, Chiesa was sacrificed in order to include exciting young homegrown talents such as Rio Ngumoha, with the long-term structure of the squad in mind. Slot admitted that Chiesa “wasn’t happy” about being cut but praised his professional attitude and his determination to contribute in other competitions.

The UEFA Loophole Explained

What makes this story even more intriguing is the UEFA rule change introduced this season. Under the new regulation, clubs are allowed to replace one outfield player on their List A squad during the league phase of the Champions League, provided another squad member suffers a long-term injury of at least 60 days.

This adjustment is designed to give clubs more flexibility in managing unforeseen injuries without being penalized for circumstances beyond their control. Crucially, the replacement does not need to be in the same position as the injured player.

This is the very opening that could hand Chiesa a lifeline in Europe.

The Leoni Injury Twist

Liverpool’s young defender Giovanni Leoni, signed over the summer, recently picked up a serious knee injury—reportedly an ACL issue—during a Carabao Cup clash with Southampton. The 18-year-old is now expected to miss several months of action, easily meeting UEFA’s long-term injury threshold.

With Leoni sidelined, Liverpool can nominate a replacement for the Champions League squad before Matchday 6 of the league phase. And the frontrunner for that replacement spot is, of course, Federico Chiesa.

This potential move has already been dubbed “CHIE-SERA” by fans online—a play on “que sera, sera”—highlighting the mix of frustration at the initial snub and hope that Chiesa could still play a major role in Europe this season.

Why Chiesa Matters to Liverpool

Chiesa remains one of Europe’s most dynamic wide players. Known for his explosive pace, direct dribbling, and ability to score in big games, he was instrumental in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph and enjoyed several strong seasons with Juventus before his switch to Anfield.

For Liverpool, adding Chiesa back into the Champions League squad could provide:

• Depth in attack – giving Slot more options across the forward line.
• Experience in Europe – Chiesa has faced Europe’s elite and understands the high-pressure environment.
• A psychological boost – both for the player himself and the fans, who want to see Liverpool’s big-name signing on the continental stage.

Reactions and Debate

The situation has stirred debate among fans and pundits:

• Some argue that Chiesa should have been included in the first place, questioning whether homegrown quotas should outweigh proven international class.
• Others see the initial exclusion as pragmatic squad management, noting Liverpool’s long-term plan to nurture younger homegrown talents while keeping within UEFA’s strict limits.
• Many supporters, however, believe the injury to Leoni has created the perfect opening to correct what they view as an oversight.

As one fan put it on social media: “If UEFA gives us the chance, Chiesa must be the first name added. He’s too good to be watching the Champions League from the sidelines.”

What Happens Next

Liverpool now face a crucial decision. If they opt to use the injury-replacement rule, Chiesa could be registered and made available for the later group-stage fixtures. This would instantly bolster the squad as the Reds chase both progression to the knockout rounds and another shot at European glory.

For Chiesa, it would also represent personal redemption—a chance to prove his worth and remind Europe why he was once considered one of the brightest talents in Italian football.