Federico Chiesa’s exclusion from Liverpool’s Champions League squad raised eyebrows. Despite a promising start to the season, the Serie A star failed to secure a spot on the roster, revealing the tough squad selection rules the Reds had to navigate.
Squad Rules Force Tough Decisions
UEFA limits each club to a 25-man “A list” for the Champions League, including at least eight homegrown players. Liverpool has only five such stars, which restricts their active squad to just 22 players and ultimately squeezed out Chiesa.
Youth Takes the Spotlight
The final non-homegrown spot went to 17-year-old academy graduate Rio Ngumoha, highlighting Liverpool’s focus on youth development and long-term planning
Not a Question of Form
Though Chiesa scored in the season opener and offered valuable contributions off the bench, squad-building priorities and homegrown regulations ultimately sealed his fate. Liverpool’s medical team also factored in his recent injury record, raising concerns about his ability to sustain high-intensity football across multiple competitions.
Looking Ahead
While Chiesa will miss European action, fans still can catch him on the Premier League and domestic cup stages. His exclusion underscores both the rigors of elite competition and the tight balancing act teams face under UEFA rules.
Click here to read about the top 5 Most Expensive Premier League Signings of Summer
https://shorturl.fm/9rXGK
https://shorturl.fm/msgBF