Two Stars Omitted From Liverpool Champions League Squad

Liverpool Champions League Squad Decision Leaves Chiesa and Endo Facing Uncertain Future

Liverpool have confirmed their squad for the league phase of the Champions League, and two familiar names are conspicuous by their absence.

As first reported by James Pearce of The Athletic , Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have both been omitted from Andoni Iraola's 25-man group. Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike have been included despite continuing their rehabilitation from serious injuries.

For Chiesa and Endo, the decision feels significant. Liverpool have effectively provided an indication of where both players currently stand within Iraola's hierarchy.

Chiesa Pays Price for Liverpool's Summer Recruitment

Chiesa has missed Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches with a muscle problem and now faces the prospect of watching the Champions League campaign from outside the squad.

Pearce reports that the Italian "finds himself down the pecking order following the summer signings of wingers Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz."

Liverpool's recruitment has changed the landscape considerably.

Barcola represents a major investment, while Munoz provides another option across the attacking positions. Cody Gakpo remains at the club and Alexander Isak adds further firepower.

Chiesa therefore appears to have become collateral damage in Liverpool's reshaping of the attack.

Endo Omission Points Towards McConnell Opportunity

Perhaps more intriguing is the decision to exclude Endo.

The experienced midfielder was an unused substitute against both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, with 22-year-old James McConnell preferred for Liverpool's European squad.

That feels like an important judgement from Iraola.

Endo has previously provided Liverpool with experience, discipline and a willingness to perform whatever role was required. Leaving him out while selecting McConnell suggests Liverpool are looking forward rather than relying upon past service.

It also creates a potentially significant opportunity for the academy graduate.

Liverpool Take Fitness Gamble on Injured Trio

Liverpool have adopted a different approach with Leoni, Bradley and Ekitike.

Pearce describes their inclusion as "welcome", with all three expected to return during the league phase.

Leoni is expected to resume training later this month after nearly a year recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Bradley has not played since suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January, while Ekitike ruptured his Achilles against Paris Saint-Germain in April.

Ekitike's inclusion is particularly noteworthy. The Frenchman finished last season as Liverpool's leading scorer with 17 goals and could provide Iraola with another major attacking weapon later in the competition.

Liverpool are effectively reserving places for players they believe can make a meaningful contribution once fit.

Champions League Squad Shows Iraola's Priorities

UEFA regulations require Liverpool to include at least eight "locally trained" players on List A, while younger players including Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni can be registered separately on List B.

That provides useful flexibility, although Liverpool's final selection remains revealing.

Chiesa and Endo are available senior players who have been deemed expendable for European purposes. Bradley, Leoni and Ekitike are injured players considered important enough to retain their places.

Squad lists can occasionally feel administrative. This one feels considerably more consequential.

Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday. For those included, Europe offers another stage on which Iraola can begin shaping his Liverpool side.

For Chiesa and Endo, the message appears rather different.

There will understandably be frustration among Liverpool supporters when looking at these decisions, particularly after a summer in which questions have already been raised about the balance and depth of Iraola's squad.

Leaving Chiesa out feels logical given the arrival of Barcola and Munoz, although it also raises another question. What exactly is Liverpool's plan for the Italian now?

If he cannot command a Champions League place even while Ekitike remains sidelined, his route back towards meaningful first-team football appears increasingly narrow.

Endo's situation is arguably more surprising.

Liverpool supporters know his limitations, but they also know exactly what he offers. He provides experience, defensive awareness and reliability, qualities that can become extremely valuable during difficult European away matches.

Choosing McConnell instead represents a clear vote of confidence in youth. That should excite supporters, particularly those eager to see Liverpool provide genuine pathways for academy players.

The bigger concern surrounds Liverpool's injured contingent. Including Bradley, Leoni and Ekitike makes sense if their rehabilitation remains on schedule. Liverpool will desperately hope that all three return without setbacks.

Ekitike could be particularly important. A 17-goal striker returning during the league phase would effectively provide Iraola with another major attacking option midway through the campaign.

Ultimately, this squad feels like another indication that Liverpool are moving decisively into Iraola's era. Some established players are being pushed towards the margins, younger footballers are receiving opportunities and significant faith is being placed in recovering players.

Supporters will hope those calculations prove correct once the Champions League begins.