Liverpool supporters were left scratching their heads on Monday after a surprising omission from the squad travelling to Turkey for their Champions League clash.
Federico Chiesa, who looked sharp in recent domestic games, has not been included for the Reds’ Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
The Italian forward trained with the team earlier in the day at the AXA Training Centre and appeared ready to play. But when the 21-man list was confirmed, his name was nowhere to be found.
Chiesa was registered for the competition only last week after Liverpool were granted special dispensation to replace the injured Giovanni Leoni.
His absence is therefore unexpected and has sparked debate among fans about possible late fitness concerns or tactical decisions.
Chiesa recently scored a late equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and provided two assists in the League Cup win over Southampton.
With that form, many assumed he would feature in Istanbul. Liverpool have not offered an explanation, leaving plenty of room for speculation.
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Liverpool’s Champions League squad surprise adds intrigue
Arne Slot’s side began their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. Galatasaray, on the other hand, were thumped 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt.
On paper, this trip to Rams Park looks like a chance for Liverpool to keep control of their group. But Chiesa’s absence adds a twist to an otherwise routine build-up.
The Reds have included Hugo Ekitike, who returns after a domestic suspension, while 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha makes the squad. Teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni will instead play in the UEFA Youth League, and Jayden Danns misses out with a hamstring issue.
Here is Liverpool’s full 21-man squad for their next Champions League match:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Alisson | Goalkeeper |
| Gomez | Defender |
| Endo | Midfielder |
| Van Dijk | Defender |
| Konate | Defender |
| Kerkez | Defender |
| Wirtz | Midfielder |
| Szoboszlai | Midfielder |
| Isak | Forward |
| Mac Allister | Midfielder |
| Salah | Forward |
| Bradley | Defender |
| Jones | Midfielder |
| Gakpo | Forward |
| Ekitike | Forward |
| Mamardashvili | Goalkeeper |
| Robertson | Defender |
| Woodman | Goalkeeper |
| Frimpong | Defender |
| Gravenberch | Midfielder |
| Ngumoha | Forward |
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