Liverpool omit Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo from Champions League squad

Liverpool have submitted their 25-man squad for the Champions League league phase, with manager Andoni Iraola opting to omit two experienced signings: Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo from the list. ([liverpool.com](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-champions-league-squad-chiesa-34565052.amp?utm_source=openai))

Despite their ongoing recovery from serious injuries, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are all included in the registered squad, signalling the club’s belief they could be available during the league phase. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-submit-champions-league-squad-2025-26?utm_source=openai))

Selection choices shaped by form, fitness and new arrivals

The decision over Chiesa is notable: the Italian missed Liverpool’s first two Premier League matches this season with a muscle issue, and the summer additions on the flanks have pushed him down the pecking order. The arrivals of Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz have increased competition for wide attacking roles. ([liverpool.com](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-champions-league-squad-chiesa-34565052.amp?utm_source=openai))

Endo’s omission reflects his limited minutes at the start of the campaign; the Japanese midfielder has mainly been used from the bench and Iraola has given priority to 22-year-old James McConnell in central midfield. ([ca.sports.yahoo.com](https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/chiesa-endo-not-liverpools-champions-221327873.html?utm_source=openai))

Liverpool named an unusually large defensive contingent — 11 defenders — including academy graduates Luke Chambers and Isaac Mabaya, which helps the club meet UEFA’s locally trained player requirements for List A. ([uefa.com](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2049620--fenerbahce-vs-liverpool/lineups/?utm_source=openai))

Youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni were not on the main List A but remain eligible on List B and can be registered for individual matches later in the group stage. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-submit-champions-league-squad-2025-26?utm_source=openai))

The Reds open their Champions League campaign at Anfield against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, 9 September 2026; the absence of Chiesa and Endo from the European list will fuel further speculation about their futures at the club. ([uefa.com](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a8-2176fa83582b-d99f0b27f405-1000--champions-league-league-phase-fixtures-by-team/?utm_source=openai))

Photo: Liverpool FC (X)