Liverpool have excluded duo Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo from their UEFA Champions League league phase squad, a decision underlining their decline in manager Andoni Iraola’s tactical plans.
The blow falls hardest on Chiesa, who chose to remain at Anfield despite summer transfer interest in hopes of fighting for a fresh chance, only to find himself left out of the season’s premier European competition.
The Italian winger has struggled with persistent injuries and rhythm issues since joining the Reds. Competition for attacking places has further intensified following the arrivals of Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz, while a muscle injury sidelined him for the start of the Premier League campaign.
This setback is familiar territory for Chiesa, who was also omitted from Liverpool’s initial European squad last season before being reinstated following an injury to Hugo Ekitike. The winger managed just 318 minutes of Premier League action last term.
Meanwhile, Endo has tumbled down the midfield hierarchy following an ankle ligament injury, having played just 170 Premier League minutes last season. He ultimately fell victim to European squad limits and midfield congestion.
In a surprising twist, Iraola included injured trio Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni in the main squad despite their current unavailability, betting on their return before the conclusion of the league phase. Several academy products remain eligible via List B.
Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, when they host Atlético Madrid at Anfield, followed by fixtures against LASK, Villarreal, Fenerbahçe, Club Brugge, Porto, and Inter Milan, before wrapping up the league phase against Lens at Anfield on January 27, 2027.
