Liverpool have made a surprise call in their 22-man Champions League squad for the league phase, leaving out Federico Chiesa in favour of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Softfootball understands that the decision comes down to UEFA’s strict squad regulations on homegrown players.
UEFA rules allow a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players on List A, and with Liverpool already at that limit, Chiesa was sacrificed so Ngumoha could be included. The youngster, who scored on his league debut, takes up a valuable non-homegrown slot despite his age.
Although Ngumoha is under 21 and born after January 1, 2004, he cannot be registered on List B, as he has not been with Liverpool for an uninterrupted two years since turning 15. That left the Reds with little choice but to register him on List A, ultimately at Chiesa’s expense.
Chiesa, who netted in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, was expected to feature after a bright start to the season, making his omission all the more surprising. However, he could still be added to the squad if Liverpool advance to the knockout rounds, when changes are permitted.
The squad announcement released via Liverpool’s official website confirmed new signings Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, while youngsters Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns were placed on List B, which has no player limit.
Liverpool Champions League squad
List A: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Bradley, Leoni, Robertson, Frimpong, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha.
