Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed why Federico Chiesa has not been included in his Champions League squad to face Galatasaray.

Liverpool Clarify Chiesa’s Absence Ahead of Galatasaray Trip

Liverpool are preparing for their second Champions League group stage match in Istanbul on Tuesday, but one notable name missing from the travelling squad is Federico Chiesa.

The Italian forward was recently added to Liverpool’s European squad under a new UEFA regulation that allows one replacement in the event of a long-term injury. The change followed Giovanni Leoni’s serious knee injury, which ruled the defender out for more than 60 days.

Chiesa, who was the only senior player left out of the original registration, seized his chance quickly. He came off the bench at the weekend to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace — making his absence from the squad list for Istanbul a surprise to many fans.

Initially, The Athletic’s James Pearce reported that the decision looked like a tactical call from Arne Slot, with no fitness concerns. However, the Liverpool manager has since cleared up the situation.

Slot revealed that Chiesa suffered a “little niggle” late in the match against Palace and failed to complete the final training session before the squad departed for Turkey. Out of caution, the Dutchman chose to rest him ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

Despite missing the Galatasaray game, there is optimism that Chiesa’s setback is only minor, and he should be available for domestic duty this weekend.

Slot explained Chiesa’s absence, saying:

“He got a little niggle in the last game against Palace. He tried it in training today but he couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it is Chelsea.”

Liverpool’s successful application to register Chiesa means the forward remains eligible for upcoming Champions League fixtures once fit. For now, the club’s focus is on ensuring he is available for Saturday’s high-profile Premier League clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

The Italian has endured a stop-start spell since arriving at Liverpool. Last season, he missed 14 matches between September and December with a muscle injury and struggled to establish himself upon returning, ending the campaign with just six league appearances.

This term, however, there are early signs of progress. Chiesa is already on the verge of surpassing last year’s appearance tally, and he has scored two goals in the opening weeks of the campaign. If he can shake off this latest setback quickly, Liverpool will hope he can finally deliver the consistency that eluded him in 2024/25.