Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have been omitted from Liverpool's Champions League squad for the league phase, marking another European setback for the Italian winger under manager Andoni Iraola. The decision reflects the intense competition for places at Anfield as the Reds prepare for a demanding continental campaign.
Chiesa's Continued European Struggle
Chiesa's exclusion represents a frustrating repeat of last season's experience, when he similarly missed out on Liverpool's initial Champions League registration. The left winger made his debut in the competition during a September 2024 fixture in Italy following his £10 million move from Juventus, but regular European minutes have remained elusive. His pathway to continental football only materialized previously after an injury to Italian teammate Giovanni Leoni created an opening mid-season.
Despite showing promise in domestic fixtures, Chiesa has struggled to nail down a consistent role under Iraola's system. The 27-year-old now faces another spell watching from the sidelines as Liverpool navigate the expanded Champions League league phase, where squad management and registration limits force difficult selection calls.
Squad Depth and Registration Constraints
Endo's omission alongside Chiesa underscores Liverpool's need to balance their expanded squad following recent restructuring. European regulations cap registrations, forcing clubs to make strategic choices about which players feature in their official rosters. Iraola's coaching staff must rely on their remaining attacking and midfield depth to manage both domestic and continental fixtures throughout the demanding season ahead.
Liverpool face a crucial European clash against Inter Milan on January 19, providing an early test of their continental credentials. If injuries strike during the campaign, Chiesa could yet find his way back into European contention, mirroring last season's trajectory when forced opportunity knocked.
