Federico Chiesa arrived at Liverpool with the weight of big expectations. A superstar from Italy, a player who had conquered Europe with his pace, flair, and fearless dribbling, Chiesa was meant to be one of the signings that would lift Liverpool into a new era after Jürgen Klopp. But barely a few months into his time at Anfield, his journey has already taken an unexpected and painful twist. Reports now confirm that the winger was left out of Liverpool’s 23-man Champions League squad, a decision that sent shockwaves through the fanbase and left the Italian forward “unhappy,” according to manager Arne Slot.
But football is full of twists and turns, and now it seems Chiesa might yet be handed a reprieve. A UEFA rule change could open the door for him to play in Europe this season after all, despite his absence from the official squad list. This revelation has given hope to the supporters and perhaps to Chiesa himself, who is desperate to show Liverpool and the wider world that he still has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage.
When the Champions League squad was announced, many fans had to rub their eyes twice. Chiesa’s name was missing. The Italian forward, who had arrived with so much hype, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a surprising inclusion appeared: Rio Ngumoha, a 17-year-old English winger signed from Chelsea last year. Ngumoha’s inclusion raised eyebrows not because of his talent—Liverpool scouts have raved about him—but because of UEFA’s complicated registration rules. Even though Ngumoha is English and still just a teenager, he had to take up one of Liverpool’s 17 overseas player slots due to the way UEFA calculates eligibility.
That technicality created a domino effect that ended up with Chiesa left out in the cold. The timing of Liverpool’s summer business only made matters worse. On deadline day, Liverpool had worked hard to complete a deal for Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain. If Guehi had arrived, then Giovanni Leoni, another young signing who also doesn’t qualify for the U21 list, would have been the one to miss out. That would have left space for Chiesa to remain in the squad. But because the Guehi deal collapsed at the very last minute, Slot decided he needed defensive cover. That meant Leoni stayed, and Chiesa lost his place.
For a player like Chiesa, who thrives on confidence and rhythm, such a decision cuts deep. Being told you are not in the starting eleven is one thing. Being told you are not even part of the Champions League squad is another. It is a message that can feel like rejection, and Slot himself admitted that this was one of the hardest conversations he has had to have since taking over at Anfield. “Of course that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” Slot said. “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.”
Chiesa, according to reports, did not hide his unhappiness. He wanted to play. He came to Liverpool to be part of big nights under the Anfield lights, to score in Europe, to deliver for the fans. Instead, he was staring at the possibility of being sidelined from one of the most important competitions in world football. Yet Slot also praised him for how he responded. He did not sulk, he did not cause chaos in the dressing room, he kept working hard. That professionalism might prove crucial because the door is not fully closed.
UEFA’s new format for the Champions League, which begins this season, has brought new rules and new opportunities. Unlike in the past, there is more flexibility in how clubs can adjust their squads after the initial list is submitted. Injuries, suspensions, or other unforeseen circumstances can open pathways for players to be added later on. For Chiesa, this could mean a second chance. Slot hinted that situations can change quickly, and Chiesa may still feature in the league phase of the competition if conditions align.
This has given hope to Liverpool supporters who were worried about the possibility of one of their most high-profile signings sitting out Europe entirely. They know what Chiesa can do. They saw him dominate defenders in Serie A, they saw him light up Euro 2020 with Italy, they saw him become a nightmare for full-backs across Europe. That player has not disappeared, even if injuries in recent years slowed him down. If Chiesa is given another shot, he could become one of Liverpool’s trump cards in Europe, especially in the second half of the season when games come thick and fast.
But beneath the tactical explanations and UEFA rules, this story carries a deeper emotional weight. It is about a player fighting for his place, a manager making difficult decisions, and a fanbase desperate to see their star shine. Chiesa’s exclusion hurt not just him but also the supporters who wanted to see him light up the Champions League in a red shirt. They know what he is capable of, and they are hungry to see it at Anfield.
The question now is how Chiesa uses this moment. Will it break him, or will it fuel him? History is filled with players who were knocked down but came back stronger. Chiesa has the talent to turn this setback into a story of redemption. If he works even harder, if he seizes his chance when it comes, then this painful chapter could be remembered as the spark that reignited his career.
Arne Slot’s role in this is equally important. Managing big personalities and big players is never easy, especially at a club like Liverpool where expectations are sky-high. Slot has already shown he is willing to make bold decisions, even unpopular ones. But he will also need to show that he can bring the best out of Chiesa when the time is right. Leaving him out now might have been a necessity, but reintegrating him later could be one of the keys to Liverpool’s season.
The timing could not be more dramatic. Liverpool are preparing for a huge campaign, both domestically and in Europe. The squad is packed with attacking talent—Salah, Díaz, Núñez, Jota, Szoboszlai, and now even young stars like Ngumoha pushing through. Competition is fierce, and Chiesa knows he must fight for his place. But competition also sharpens players, and if he rises to the challenge, Liverpool could have another weapon in their arsenal.
For the fans, the hope is simple. They want to see Chiesa succeed. They want to see him sprinting down the wing, cutting inside, and curling shots into the top corner. They want to see him celebrating under the lights at Anfield, reminding everyone why he was one of the most sought-after players in Europe. They want to believe that this story will not end with frustration but with triumph.
Right now, Chiesa stands at a crossroads. On one side is disappointment, exclusion, and the risk of fading into the background. On the other side is redemption, opportunity, and the chance to write his name into Liverpool’s European history. The UEFA rule change has given him hope, but only his performances on the pitch can decide his fate.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on him. Every cameo, every training session, every moment will be judged. The challenge is huge, but so is the reward. For Chiesa, this could be the season where he proves himself all over again. For Liverpool, it could be the season where a difficult decision turns into a story of resilience and revival.
And so, while the headlines scream about his omission, the real story might just be beginning. Federico Chiesa is down, but he is not out. The Champions League dream is still alive, and the fight to reclaim his place is about to begin.
