Softfootball reports that Chelsea have confirmed their 23-man UEFA Champions League squad for the league phase, with new arrival Facundo Buonanotte a notable absentee. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion on deadline day, misses out on both the main squad and UEFA’s List B for under-21 players.
The decision comes just days after Buonanotte expressed his excitement at playing in Europe’s top competition, calling his move to Chelsea a great step in his career and admitting he was looking forward to his Champions League debut.
He was even posted alongside fellow new signing Alejandro Garnacho, training at Cobham. However, UEFA’s squad and financial restrictions forced the Blues to make tough calls, leaving the Argentine out.
In contrast, fellow summer signing Estevão Willian has been included in the squad, joining Chelsea’s attacking options alongside Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Gittens, and others.
Romeo Lavia, Josh Acheampong, and Tyrique George were also left off the 23-man List A but remain eligible for the competition via List B, thanks to their homegrown status.
Chelsea revealed the list on the club’s official website and even posted it via their official X account. They posted:
Chelsea’s Champions League List A squad:
Goalkeepers: Sánchez, Jørgensen
Defenders: Cucurella, Tosin, Badiashile, Colwill, Hato, Chalobah, James, Gusto, Fofana
Midfielders: Fernández, Palmer, Essugo, Santos, Caicedo
Forwards: Delap, Joao Pedro, Guiu, Estevão, Garnacho, Neto, Gittens
Buonanotte’s exclusion highlights the balancing act Chelsea face under UEFA regulations, though there remains the possibility of changes if the Blues reach the knockout rounds.
