Liverpool have officially confirmed their 22-man squad for the first phase of this season’s Champions League — but one high-profile player has been left out in a shock move by manager Arne Slot.

The Reds are set for a tough group of fixtures against some of Europe’s elite, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, and Frankfurt, as well as PSV Eindhoven, Qarabag, and Galatasaray. Their European campaign begins with a clash against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

In a surprising twist, summer signing Federico Chiesa will not be involved after failing to make the cut. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak is included alongside fellow arrivals Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike.

Teen sensation Rio Ngumoha, who impressed on his Premier League debut against Newcastle, could also make his Champions League bow after earning a place in the squad. With UEFA rules limiting clubs to 17 non-homegrown players, Ngumoha has claimed one of those valuable spots.

Liverpool’s 22-man Champions League 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 regulations require clubs to register no more than 25 players on List A, with at least eight homegrown. List B remains open to younger talents who meet the academy and registration criteria.

Reflecting on the draw, Arne Slot admitted it would be a fierce challenge but highlighted the excitement of facing Europe’s biggest names.

> “Like last season, it’s a very difficult draw, but that’s the Champions League — there are no easy fixtures,” Slot explained. “To welcome Real Madrid back to Anfield is special. That game will capture attention across the football world, and we want to make it another memorable night.”