Arne Slot Reveals Real Reason Why Federico Chiesa Left Out of Champions League Squad

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed why Federico Chiesa has not been included in his Champions League squad to face Galatasaray.

The Reds are preparing to travel to Istanbul for their second Champions League group stage match, which takes place on Tuesday.

They were forced into a late squad change last week after centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury.

UEFA approved a new regulation for the 2025/26 season which allows clubs to make one change to their squad in the event of a 'long-term injury' which will last 60 days or longer, as long as the change is made before the end of matchweek six.

Chiesa was therefore drafted in to the squad, having initially been the only senior Liverpool player to miss out on registration.

The Italian came off the bench on Saturday to score in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Fans were surprised, therefore, when his name was included in the 21-player travelling party to Istanbul earlier on Monday.

The Athletic's James Pearce reported his understanding that there were no fitness issues surrounding Chiesa and that his absence was a 'selection decision' by Slot.

However, the Liverpool boss has now confirmed that Chiesa suffered a 'little niggle' in the closing stages against Palace.

The Dutchman took the decision to rest Chiesa ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Chelsea after he failed to come through Liverpool's final training session before the trip to Turkey.

He said: "He got a little niggle in the last game against Palace.

"He tried it in training today but he couldn't end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it is Chelsea."

Liverpool's successful application to register Chiesa means he is available to play in future Champions League matches should he be required.

The Italian will be hoping to recover in time for Saturday's Chelsea clash after he had a stop-start 2024/25 season.

He missed 14 matches with a muscle injury between September and December, and struggled to get into the side upon his return.

Chiesa made just six Premier League appearances over the entirety of last season - a tally he is already only one game away from matching, along with two extra goals scored, this campaign.