Federico Chiesa could get Champions League lifeline at Liverpool after new UEFA rule
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool could capitalize on a UEFA rule change and bring Federico Chiesa into its Champions League squad following Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury during his debut for the Reds.
Subsequent reports have since claimed that the defender tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee, leaving him to face months out injured.
With the youngster now likely to be sidelined for an extended period, the Reds do have the option to adjust their Champions League squad to ensure they're not left short-handed.
UEFA amended its registration rules just before this year's tournament, allowing clubs to make one change to their squad during the league phase in response to long-term injury or illness.
If an outfield player is expected to be out for at least 60 days, a club can now replace them in their squad - with this rule applicable until matchday six.
The UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the significant rule change, announcing earlier this month: "The Executive Committee approved an amendment to the 2025/26 UEFA men's club competitions' regulations to admit the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player with long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday six included.
"The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure."
Consequently, with Leoni expected to be sidelined for most of the season, Liverpool now has the option to replace him with Chiesa - or any other player initially deemed ineligible for their squad.
Slot's choice to omit the Italian striker from his initial Champions League squad caused quite a stir, with the manager acknowledging that Chiesa was less than pleased with the decision but had shown a positive attitude in training sessions.
After delivering a stellar performance against Southampton and earning the player of the match award, Chiesa spoke candidly about his omission from the Champions League squad
However, he may now be in line for a comeback.
The call to exclude Chiesa from the initial Champions League roster was a consequence of UEFA's rules and Liverpool's last-minute dealings in the transfer market.
Slot made the call to pick Rio Ngumoha over the Italian talent, with the young player needing to occupy one of Liverpool's 17 overseas slots for selection despite being English and only 17 years old.
Federico Chiesa could now earn a spot in Liverpool's Champions League squad after Giovanni Leoni's injury