The Reds kicked off their European campaign earlier this month with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, and will now be aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the competition. The trip also marks a return to the city where they famously lifted the 2005 Champions League trophy under Rafael Benitez.
However, head coach Arne Slot’s latest squad list left many supporters stunned after a high-profile omission. Despite recent expectations, Federico Chiesa was not included in the group to face Galatasaray.
Chiesa had been tipped for selection after Liverpool lost Giovanni Leoni to a long-term ACL injury sustained in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton. Under UEFA’s updated rules, clubs are permitted to replace players suffering serious injuries, and Liverpool had officially registered Chiesa as Leoni’s replacement last week.
Even so, his name was absent when the squad was published on Monday. Journalist James Pearce later clarified that this was not due to fitness concerns or paperwork delays, but rather a deliberate choice by Slot.
Chiesa’s exclusion comes despite a strong run of form. The Italian came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s weekend defeat to Crystal Palace, and only days earlier delivered two assists in the League Cup victory against Southampton, earning man-of-the-match honors.
After that performance, Chiesa admitted last season had been difficult but insisted he was in better shape this campaign:
> “Last year was really hard, but I know I wasn’t performing at the level expected. Things are different now—I feel sharper, stronger, and the manager has noticed.”
For now, though, he will be watching from the sidelines as Liverpool prepare for a crucial night in Istanbul.
Topics: Champions League, Liverpool FC, Federico Chiesa, Galatasaray
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