Liverpool omits Chiesa and Endo from Champions League squad

Liverpool omit Chiesa and Endo from Champions League squad, raising fresh questions on depth

Liverpool have lodged a 25‑man roster for the new Champions League campaign that does not feature winger Federico Chiesa or midfielder Wataru Endo. The omission comes as the club finalises a squad packed with players still on the road to full fitness.

Chiesa, who arrived from Juventus in the summer of 2024, remains sidelined through injury. The club’s official list notes that he is expected to return to training later this month. He was also left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad last season, only to be recalled when teammate Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury.

Full Champions League roster

• Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Viteslav Jaros
• Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araujo, Luke Chambers, Isaac Mabaya
• Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Aleix Mac Allister, Victor Munoz, Ryan Gravenberch, James McConnell
• Forwards: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Bradley Barcola

The list includes several players who are still nursing injuries. Conor Bradley, a versatile defender, has yet to make a competitive appearance since his setback, and Hugo Ekitike, signed from Paris Saint‑Germain, is also recovering. Giovanni Leoni, despite a recent serious knee injury, remains on the books, illustrating Liverpool’s willingness to bank on a rapid return to fitness for multiple senior figures.

Injury context and previous omissions

Last season, Chiesa’s omission sparked debate when Arne Slot left him out, only to reverse the decision after Leoni’s injury forced a reshuffle. This season’s list repeats the pattern, with two high‑profile signings missing entirely and three injury‑prone players retained.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s pending acquisition of French winger Bradley Barcola adds another layer of intrigue. The Paris Saint‑Germain forward is listed as “pending” in the squad document, reflecting that the transfer has not been sealed.

Barcola transfer saga

Standard Sport reports that Liverpool and Paris Saint‑Germain have been in “crunch talks” throughout the summer to close the Barcola deal. The two clubs reportedly met on August 25 to try to resolve a fee impasse. Paris Saint‑Germain is said to be holding out for a £145 million fee, while Liverpool is said to be aiming closer to £100 million.

Barcola has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, a target identified by Liverpool early in the window. The inclusion of his name in the Champions League squad, even on a pending basis, signals that the Reds hope to have the Frenchman registered should the paperwork be completed before the competition’s registration deadline.

How rivals have built their squads

Across the Premier League, clubs have taken markedly different approaches to squad composition. Arsenal’s 25‑man list features William Saliba despite the French centre‑half’s ongoing back problem. Arsenal released a statement in late July outlining a “managed recovery programme” for Saliba, indicating optimism that he could contribute in the early stages of the tournament. New signings Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis are also on Arsenal’s roster.

Manchester United have opted for a more aggressive reinforcement strategy, slotting all three of their summer signings—Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans—into their Champions League squad. United’s list further includes established figures such as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, underscoring a focus on depth and experience.

Other qualified clubs, including Aston Villa, Manchester City and the aforementioned Arsenal, have not made any “major shock omissions or inclusions” according to the Aol report, reflecting a relatively stable approach to squad registration.

What to watch next

• Finalisation of Bradley Barcola’s transfer before the Champions League registration deadline.
• Progress of Chiesa’s rehabilitation and his integration into training, which could affect his availability for early group‑stage fixtures.
• Updates from Liverpool on the fitness status of Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni ahead of the campaign’s opening matches.
• Arsenal’s managed recovery plan for William Saliba and whether he will feature in the early rounds.
• Manchester United’s utilisation of their three new signings as the competition unfolds.