Express have reported that Federico Chiesa may still play a part in Liverpool’s Champions League campaign despite his shock omission from the squad for the league phase. The Italian forward was left out of Arne Slot’s 23-man list, a decision that raised eyebrows across Europe.

“The decision to exclude Chiesa was ultimately forced due to UEFA regulations and Liverpool’s last-minute transfer dealings. Slot chose to include Rio Ngumoha over Chiesa, with the young player needing to occupy one of Liverpool’s 17 overseas slots to be eligible for selection, despite being English and only 17 years old.”

Because Ngumoha joined Liverpool only last summer from Chelsea, he does not yet qualify as homegrown or for UEFA’s List B, forcing Slot into a difficult choice.

Slot explained his decision ahead of the Burnley fixture, admitting that the former Juventus star was disappointed but professional. “Of course that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” he said. “For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult.

“I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course he wasn’t happy with that. I think he understood my arguments – that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them!”

Liverpool’s Champions League hopes may still feature Chiesa thanks to a recent update to UEFA regulations. Express explained that UEFA will now allow one outfield player to be temporarily replaced during the league phase if a squad member suffers a long-term injury or illness.

This means Chiesa could still feature before Christmas if Liverpool are hit with an injury crisis. The first opportunity to register him would come before the club’s final league phase match away to Inter Milan on 9 December.

Liverpool could also add Chiesa back into the squad in February, when UEFA permits up to three changes ahead of the knockout rounds. If a January move for Marc Guehi materialises, he would occupy a homegrown slot, potentially allowing Giovanni Leoni to be dropped and Chiesa reinstated.

Chiesa remains available for Premier League fixtures and has come off the bench in all three of Liverpool’s league games this season. He will look to make his mark against Burnley this weekend as Liverpool aim to continue their perfect start.

Liverpool supporters will feel mixed emotions about Chiesa’s exclusion. While the logic of prioritising squad balance is clear, leaving out a proven match-winner from a Champions League squad always feels risky. Chiesa has the pedigree to make a difference in Europe and fans will hope this situation is only temporary.

Arne Slot’s comments reveal that the player’s response has been professional, which is a positive sign for team harmony. His work ethic and willingness to contribute in domestic competitions could be crucial as Liverpool navigate a busy schedule.

The new UEFA rule change is a significant development and may prove vital. Having the ability to add Chiesa later in the campaign could be the difference between early elimination and progressing deep into the tournament. With a demanding fixture list and the ever-present risk of injuries, keeping Chiesa motivated and match-ready is essential.

If Liverpool strengthen in January, especially in defence with someone like Guehi, the chances of Chiesa being registered for Europe increase further. Fans will watch closely to see whether he is rewarded for his professionalism with a Champions League return.