Federico Chiesa Champions League decision revealed
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool could take advantage of a recent UEFA rule change by adding a player to their Champions League squad following Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury on his Reds debut.
Leoni, who joined the club in the summer from Parma, had shone on his first outing against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
However, his evening came to a premature end in the 81st minute after suffering a knee injury.
Despite lengthy treatment on the sidelines, the 18-year-old was stretchered off.
Arne Slot admitted after the match that the defender feared the worst, as he is now expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period.
UEFA introduced an amendment to squad registration rules ahead of this year’s tournament, allowing clubs to make one change to their squad during the league phase in the event of a long-term injury or illness.
If an outfield player is ruled out for at least 60 days, they can now be replaced in the squad up until matchday six.
As a result, with Leoni likely to miss the majority of the campaign, Liverpool are preparing to replace him in their Champions League squad with Federico Chiesa, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Romano posted on X: “Federico Chiesa, set to be included in Liverpool Champions League squad after Giovanni Leoni’s injury.”
Chiesa, who started just one Premier League game last season, was omitted from Liverpool’s 22-man squad for the league phase of this season’s Champions League.
He made a strong case on Tuesday night, impressing in his first start of the season with two assists in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round victory over the Saints.
He has expressed his determination to force his way into Arne Slot’s Champions League plans and repay Liverpool supporters for their unwavering backing during what was a difficult debut campaign at Anfield.
“I can play more in this competition, but I want to show the manager I can play more in the Premier League,” said the Italy forward
“The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed I can help the team.
I’m not in the Champions League squad, but I am focused on the Carabao Cup.
“He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did.
I was sorry I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream.
“I just said to the coach: ‘OK – no problem?
I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.’
“I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing.”
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