However, UEFA’s rule change for all their men’s club competitions this season allows for the temporary replacement of a player named in the squad who suffers a long-term injury or illness before matchday, allowed for Chiesa to be drafted in.
As a result, the Reds confirmed their request to replace Leoni with Chiesa was approved.
A statement read: ‘UEFA have approved a request to add the Italian to the Reds’ ‘List A’, in line with a new regulation allowing a change in the event of a long-term absence.
‘Chiesa replaces Giovanni Leoni in the club’s pool of eligible players for the league phase and will be available for the trip to Galatasaray next week.’
Arne Slot has not named Federico Chiesa in Liverpool’s Champions League squad vs Galatasaray
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
As expected, Slot addressed the media on Monday night and confirmed the reason for Chiesa’s absence.
“He got a little niggle, I think it is the word you use here in England, in the last game against Palace,” the Liverpool boss told reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“He tried it today, he was on the pitch in the beginning but he couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”
Summer signing Alexander Isak is among the 21 players who have been named in the travelling squad along with Hugo Ekitike following his domestic suspension as the Reds look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season.
Confirmed Liverpool squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Bradley, Robertson, Frimpong
Midfielders: Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch
Forwards: Wirtz, Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha.
