Arne Slot makes BOMBSHELL Federico Chiesa call

Arne Slot has taken the tough decision to EXCLUDE Federico Chiesa from Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League group stage.

It comes no doubt as a blow to the Italian - who has worked hard to put himself back in favour with the Reds’ head coach. Last season was a disaster on a personal level for the Italian international - with consistent question marks against his fitness and form.

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The 27-year-old didn’t cover himself in glory in the few starts he managed - only one in the Premier League - although he did manage a goal in the Carabao Cup final.

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But it appeared likely that he had earned himself a fresh start this season. He has played in each of Liverpool’s first three Premier League games this term and scored a vital goal on matchday one against Bournemouth.

Chiesa left out of Champions League squad

Chiesa was even under consideration for a return to the national team but informed head coach Gennaro Gattuso that he is not yet at 100 percent.

So missing out on the Champions League squad is a setback. Liverpool’s deadline day acquisition of Alexander Isak looks like it forced Arne Slot’s hand.

The £125m striker is of course included - as are other summer signings like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong. That means the attacking spaces are at a premium - with Rio Ngumoha ultimately preferred to Chiesa.

Ngumoha preferred to Chiesa

Each Champions League team is permitted a squad of a maximum of 25 “A-List” players whereas the number of “B-List” players is uncapped.

However, of the A-List contingent - at least eight spaces must go to “locally trained” players. That means 17 non-homegrown players can be in the squad - precious few places for a club like Liverpool.

Ngumoha does not count as homegrown as he needs to have spent two consecutive years at the club since his 15th birthday. Having joined from Chelsea in 2024, that is not the case.

Chiesa can bounce back again

And in the cold light of day, the decision to omit Chiesa is the right one. Frequent injuries have restricted him to only 17 appearances in total for Liverpool thus far - and he missed almost the entirety of the Champions League league phase last term.

The Reds didn’t fare too badly without him - finishing top of the pool - and arguably their attacking options have been strengthened since then.

Chiesa has not yet proven - like the other senior squad members - that he is capable of going 90 minutes two or three times a week.

To be considered for the latter stages he has got to be better able to demonstrate his robustness - and consistently deliver quality performances.

Let this be an incentive for him.

Such is the competition for places, nothing is going to be handed to any player at Anfield this season. And Chiesa has shown already that he is able to bounce back from adverse circumstances.

Time to do it again.

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