Official: Leoni in, Chiesa out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad | OneFootball

Liverpool have announced their squad for the 2026-27 Champions League campaign, with Giovanni Leoni included and Federico Chiesa left out.

Italian centre-back Leoni is part of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the first part of the 2026-27 season.

Liverpool Champions League squad: Leoni in, Chiesa out

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leo Scienza of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The ex-Parma defender is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury suffered on his senior Liverpool debut last season. Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola has said that Leoni is expected to resume training with the rest of the team during the international break.

The same is true of Chiesa, but the Italian winger was dropped from Liverpool’s Champions League squad list, so he won’t be eligible for European matches this term.

As The Athletic highlights, this is hardly a surprise, given UEFA requirements regarding homegrown players and the fact that Chiesa was initially omitted from Liverpool’s Champions League squad a year ago under Arne Slot.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 2: Federico Chiesa #14 of Liverpool and Harvey Elliott #19 look on before a preseason friendly against Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

Last season, however, the winger was eventually included to replace the injured Leoni.

Chiesa has grabbed five goals and five assists in 50 Liverpool games across all competitions since 2024 and hasn’t featured for the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros.

Liverpool’s Champions League squad for 2026-27: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Jaros; Gomez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez, Bradley, Leoni, Tsimikas, Frimpong, Araujo, Chambers, Mabaya; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Munoz, Gravenberch, McConnell; Isak, Gakpo, Ekitike, Barcola.