Liverpool Set to Trigger Emergency UEFA Rule Days Before Galatasaray Clash

Liverpool will attempt to trigger an emergency UEFA rule before their second Champions League group stage match against Galatasaray.

The Reds defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 on matchday one, through goals from Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk.

They will next face Galatasaray on Tuesday looking to maintain their 100 per cent record - but will utilise a new UEFA rule before it gets underway.

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, UEFA approved an 'amendment' to the Champions League squad registration rules that would allow clubs to replace one outfield player 'with a long-term injury or illness' up until the sixth matchday in December.

Liverpool are now set to trigger that rule following the serious knee injury suffered by centre-back Giovanni Leoni - though will need final UEFA approval.

The 18-year-old made his Reds debut in the Carabao Cup third round tie against Southampton on Tuesday, but was stretchered off in the second half.

Giovanni Leoni posted to Instagram after his injury was confirmed (Image: Instagram/Giovanni Leoni)

Manager Arne Slot announced in his latest press conference on Friday that Leoni is expected to miss 'around a year' after specialist scans confirmed he had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

He subsequently stated that was 'true' that Liverpool would attempt to include Federico Chiesa to the Champions League squad.

The Dutchman did later add that he been told that the Reds would be able to replace Leoni, but that the club were examining the situation further.

"We've looked into this," he told a reporter. "I don't know. I cannot tell you exactly where that process is at the moment. You're not sure as well.

"That is not something I do myself, there are other people doing this. But if I'm informed correctly, if a player has a longer than two-month injury, you are able to replace him. That's what they've told me.

"We have to see if it's true or not, but other people are looking into that."

Chiesa was the only senior Liverpool player not to be included in their initial 22-man Champions League squad.

Due to the limits on non-homegrown players, Slot opted for Rio Ngumoha - who does not class as homegrown as he is not yet 18 - over Chiesa for the final slot in the squad.

Should the Italian be registered, it would give him further opportunities to build on an encouraging display during Liverpool's 2-1 win over Southampton.

The winger was one of the star performers on the pitch and was heavily praised by Reds fans, who have urged Slot to start him in Saturday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.