Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo Excluded from Liverpool's Champions League Squad by Andoni Iraola

Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have been excluded from Liverpool's squad for the upcoming Champions League group stage, a decision made by manager Andoni Iraola. The Italian winger faces another setback in European competition after a similar omission last season.

European Stage Absence Continues for Chiesa

Chiesa has encountered a significant disappointment as he will not participate in Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures this season. Alongside Japanese midfielder Endo, the Italian forward was left out when Iraola finalized his European roster. This means Chiesa will spend more time sidelined during continental matches while Liverpool prepares for a challenging European campaign.

A Familiar Setback for the Italian Forward

This isn't the first time Chiesa missed out on Europe with Liverpool. Last season, he was also omitted from the Champions League list until an injury to teammate Giovanni Leoni opened a spot. Despite debuting in the competition off the bench in Italy in September 2024, following his £10 million transfer, consistent European game time has remained out of reach.

Squad Decisions Reflect Tough Competition

Iraola’s choice reflects the intense battle for places within a restructured Liverpool squad. With commitments in both domestic leagues and European tournaments, the manager had to make difficult calls regarding squad size and balance. While both Chiesa and Endo miss out, the coaching team will rely on the depth of remaining players to handle Europe's demanding contests.

Chiesa Shifts Focus to Domestic Matches

With no Champions League action ahead, Chiesa will concentrate fully on domestic competitions and training efforts. Liverpool's schedule remains packed, including a key European showdown against Italian club Inter on January 19. Should injuries occur again, Chiesa might receive another chance to fight for a place in the continental squad later in the season.

• Event: Liverpool Champions League Group Stage 2026/27
• Players Omitted: Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endo
• Manager: Andoni Iraola
• Chiesa's Transfer Fee: £10 million
• Next Key European Match: vs Inter, January 19, 2027