Arne Slot tells Federico Chiesa reaction to Champions League omission as Liverpool suffer injury blow

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot previews the game with Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025

Arne Slot has revealed how Federico Chiesa reacted to being left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad, admitting the Italian was not happy with the decision.

The Dutchman ultimately opted to select Rio Ngumoha ahead of the forward when choosing his 23-man squad for this season’s league phase.

The teenager is not yet eligible for a homegrown place or spot on ‘List B’, having only joined the Reds from Chelsea last summer.

Had a deadline day move for Marc Guehi not fallen through, Liverpool would have likely included Chiesa in their ranks with summer signing Giovanni Leoni - who is also not eligible to be registered on Liverpool’s list of Under-21s players - instead left out of their Champions League squad.

READ MORE:Arne Slot speaks out on Marc Guehi transfer after Liverpool disappointmentREAD MORE:Arne Slot responds to Alexander Isak transfer criticism and sends warning - 'not going to happen'

But with Slot needed the additional option at centre-back after missing out on the England international, he took the difficult decision to leave out Chiesa.

Speaking ahead of the Reds’ trip to Burnley, the Dutchman admitted it was a difficult decision to make.

“For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult.

“I just explained to him why we made this choice.

He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them!

“But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.

“That’s one thing to say but I think he also showed this because he wasn’t selected but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days.

That is even more important than what a player tells you.”

Chiesa will at least be eligible for Liverpool’s trip to Burnley on Sunday as the Reds return to Premier League action following the September international break.

And while they could be bolstered by the return of Jeremie Frimpong after he took part in training earlier this week following a hamstring injury, Slot revealed that Liverpool are set to be without Curtis Jones after the midfielder suffered an injury against Arsenal.

WELCOME to the second edition of Blood Red – your new monthly publication from the ECHO covering everything you need to know about what’s happening at Liverpool FC.

This month, our focus is on Europe as Liverpool's Champions League campaign kicks off with the Reds looking to bring home European Cup number 7.

As well as a pull-out fixtures guide to the group phase, we profile every other club in the competition.

Our writers cover Arne Slot’s side all season long, home, away and abroad, seven days a week, and this special second edition of Blood Red is full of their in-depth features, analysis and comment.

There's also an interview with Voice of Anfield George Sephton who looks back at his time at the club, we review the big tactical talking points of the season's opening games, and we preview the next month of action as the Champions combine their bid to defend their Premier League crown with the start of their mission for Champions League glory.

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“I think they are fit.