Arne Slot confirms Federico Chiesa Champions League squad plan

Liverpool Strengthen Champions League Squad as Arne Slot Turns to Federico Chiesa

Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions have received a timely boost after Arne Slot confirmed that Federico Chiesa has been officially added to the List A squad. The Italian forward replaces Giovanni Leoni, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

This adjustment, though prompted by unfortunate circumstances, could prove a significant turning point in Liverpool’s European campaign.

UEFA Rule Allows Chiesa Inclusion

UEFA regulations for the revamped league phase of the Champions League enable clubs to make one alteration to their outfield squad list before the sixth fixture in cases of long-term injury or illness. Slot explained on Friday that the club invoked this rule to replace the stricken Leoni.

“Giovanni’s injury is a huge setback for us and for the player,” Slot said. “But we are grateful to be able to bring Federico into the squad at this stage.”

While Chiesa is not a direct positional replacement for the centre-back, the decision reflects Liverpool’s strategic priorities. The former Juventus star offers proven attacking quality and has already impressed in domestic action, notably scoring in the early-season win over Bournemouth at Anfield.

Liverpool’s Updated Champions League Squad

Liverpool’s amended squad now includes Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman in goal. Defensive options are led by Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, with full-back depth from Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

The midfield features Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and youngster Trey Nyoni.

Up front, Chiesa joins Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and academy graduate Rio Ngumoha. The change strengthens the forward unit at a crucial moment in the campaign.

Liverpool can still register a centre-back under List B rules if necessary, though eligible candidates are limited to academy players such as Carter Pinnington and Wellity Lucky.

Chiesa’s Role Under Arne Slot

Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, values flexibility and high pressing across his attacking line. Chiesa fits seamlessly into this vision, offering energy, creativity and positional intelligence.

The Italian can operate on either flank or as a central attacker, and has already shown glimpses of his capability in the No. 10 role late in matches. This adaptability could prove vital, especially with Salah set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, potentially missing key league and European fixtures.

“Federico has shown in training that he is ready for more responsibility,” Slot added. “He brings us another dimension in the final third and his mentality is exactly what we want in this team.”

Opportunity for Liverpool’s European Push

Liverpool face a challenging run of fixtures in the league phase, with upcoming encounters against Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag.

Chiesa’s inclusion adds depth and allows Slot to rotate his attacking options without compromising quality. As the competition intensifies and injuries mount across the season, his experience at the highest level could make a crucial difference.

For Liverpool, maintaining momentum in both the Premier League and Champions League will test the resilience of Slot’s squad. The decision to bring in Chiesa reflects a pragmatic approach that balances squad health with tactical ambition, highlighting the importance of having trusted performers available for pivotal matches.