Liverpool removes Federico Chiesa from Champions League squad, with reasons behind the decision disclosed

Liverpool FC Shake Up Squad with Youthful Additions

Liverpool FC, fresh off their Premier League triumph last season, are making waves with their squad selections for the upcoming campaign. Manager Arne Slot has opted to prioritise youth, with the inclusion of 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni in defence and the rising star, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, in the forward line.

Ngumoha, a teenage footballer of Nigerian heritage, joined Liverpool from Chelsea's academy in the summer of 2024. He began to be considered for the first team around December 2024, making his professional debut in January 2025. His match-winning turn against Newcastle saw him become one of the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorers.

The decision to favour Ngumoha over Federico Chiesa suggests a long-term future for the youngster. Chiesa, who has been managing minutes due to injuries last season, will not participate in the entire league phase of the Champions League due to being left out of Liverpool's squad.

Liverpool's Champions League squad also includes Leoni, with Ngumoha and the Italian forward being direct competitors for a place in the forward line. However, Ngumoha and Leoni cannot be included on Liverpool's B list of young players as they have been at the club for less than two years.

The Champions League game against Atletico Madrid is scheduled for September 17, and Liverpool will face Burnley in their first game after the international break. The match against Burnley will serve as a good opportunity for Ngumoha to gain experience playing at the highest level, as Liverpool aim to improve their performance in the Champions League and domestic cups this season.

Jeremie Frimpong, a homegrown player for Liverpool, having come through Manchester City's academy as a teenager, is another young talent to watch out for in the Reds' squad.

With Slot's strategic decisions and the promising talents in the squad, Liverpool fans are eager to see how the team will perform in the upcoming season.