Liverpool Excludes Federico Chiesa from Champions League Squad Due to UEFA Homegrown Player Limits

Federico Chiesa has been notably excluded from Liverpool's 22-man squad for the opening stage of the revamped Champions League, a decision influenced by UEFA's squad regulations limiting non-homegrown players to 17. Despite making a significant impact in the Premier League this season, including scoring a late winner against Bournemouth, Chiesa was left out in favor of the young forward Rio Ngumoha, who does not qualify as homegrown but impressed in pre-season and early league appearances. Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot appears to be balancing current performance with long-term squad development, with the option to change the squad for the knockout stages. Chiesa's fitness issues and mutual agreement with Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso have also kept him out of the Italian national team, as the player himself expressed a desire to return only when at full fitness. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about UEFA's squad rules, which many believe do not adequately address player welfare given the expanded competition format. Liverpool's summer signings, including Alexander Isak and several others, contributed to the tough selection decisions, emphasizing the depth and competition within the squad.