Liverpool Confirm 22-Man Champions League Squad as Arne Slot Drops Star Name
Liverpool Announce 22-Man Champions League Squad as Chiesa Omitted
Liverpool have confirmed their 22-man squad for the opening stage of this season’s Champions League – but one high-profile omission has raised eyebrows.
Arne Slot’s side are set to take on Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the league phase, along with PSV Eindhoven, Qarabag, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille and Galatasaray.
The Reds will kick off their campaign at Anfield against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, though winger Federico Chiesa will play no part after being left out of the squad announced on Wednesday.
Record signing Alexander Isak makes the list, joined by fellow summer recruits Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha – who made headlines with a stunning Premier League debut against Newcastle last month – could also feature in Europe after being included.
Journalist Ian Doyle noted that UEFA regulations limit Liverpool to 17 non-homegrown players, with Ngumoha occupying one of those slots.
Liverpool’s full squad: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman; Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Bradley, Leoni, Robertson, Frimpong; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch; Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha.
UEFA rules stipulate that List A can contain up to 25 players, at least two of whom must be goalkeepers, with eight places reserved for homegrown talent. Younger players meeting specific criteria can instead be registered on List B.
Speaking about the draw, Slot admitted the challenge ahead:
“Like last season, it’s a very tough group – but that’s what the Champions League is about. There are no easy matches. To welcome Real Madrid back to Anfield is something special. Last year’s game was unforgettable, and I expect this one to be the same. It’s the kind of fixture the whole world will be watching.”
