Federico Chiesa has not travelled with Liverpool for their Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday, despite the winger’s impressive run of form. The Italy international was registered in the Reds’ European squad in place of injured team-mate and compatriot Giovanni Leoni but he has since been left at home for the trip to Turkey.
Chiesa a notable absentee from Liverpool's 21-man squad
Liverpool announced earlier on Monday that a 21-man travelling squad will make the trip to Super Lig side Galatasaray ahead of Tuesday’s game, with Chiesa being a notable absentee among the list of members.
Liverpool’s travelling squad in full: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Mac Allister, Salah, Bradley, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha.
AdvertisementChiesa left out despite being fit
And in a new report from Liverpool manager Arne Slot has taken the decision to leave Chiesa at home for the Galatasaray match, despite the 27-year-old being fit and ready to play.
Surprise move follows Chiesa's impressive run of form
The surprise move comes amid a purple patch of form for Chiesa. The former Juventus forward was handed a rare start in Liverpool’s third-round Carabao Cup clash against Southampton last Tuesday, registering the assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike's goals as Slot’s men ran out 2-1 winners on the night. Chiesa has also made a strong impact as a substitute this season, scoring against Bournemouth on the opening night of the 2025-26 Premier League season and then against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Getty Images SportChiesa replaced Leoni in squad after defender suffered ACL injury
Chiesa was initially left out of Liverpool’s 22-man squad for the league phase of the Champions League earlier this month. However, he was later brought in to replace Leoni after the defender teared an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the victory over Southampton. The 18-year-old sustained the injury towards the end of what was an impressive debut for Liverpool following his summer move from Serie A side Parma.