Andoni Iraola has excluded Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo from Liverpool's Champions League squad for the 2024-25 European campaign. The Reds confirmed their continental roster ahead of their opening fixture against Atletico Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday, with the two departures signalling squad rotation and injury management at Merseyside.
Chiesa's absence stems from a muscular injury currently sidelining the Italian forward, though medical staff expect a swift recovery. The 26-year-old arrived as an attacking reinforcement but has yet to establish full fitness in his Liverpool tenure. Endo, the Japanese midfielder, finds himself cast out despite being available. The 31-year-old made just eight Premier League appearances last season—seven from the bench—and featured only once during Liverpool's previous Champions League campaign, making the omission a reflection of limited playing time and tactical priorities under Iraola's management.
Squad Changes and Injury Updates
Despite injury concerns rippling through the squad, several players have made the cut for European football. Conor Bradley remains included despite recovering from a knee injury sustained in February, signalling Iraola's faith in the defender's rehabilitation progress. Giovanni Leoni has also been named, though he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered last September. Hugo Ekitike, the France forward, features on the list despite currently battling injury, indicating the manager's long-term planning for the competition.
Positive news arrived for new arrivals: Victor Munoz secured a Champions League spot, while Bradley Barcola made the squad following his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to 123 million pounds. Barcola's inclusion represents continuity for the French winger, who will hope to impact European competition after his high-profile move to Anfield.
Liverpool's squad construction reflects Iraola's balancing act between managing injuries, integrating new signings, and maintaining European ambitions. With Atletico Madrid awaiting at Anfield, the Spanish manager faces immediate decisions about which personnel can deliver on the continental stage.
