The omission of Endo and Chiesa comes as something of a surprise. Both remain part of Liverpool’s Premier League squad but will be unavailable in Europe until January. The decision can also be seen as an indication that neither player is likely to occupy a central role in the club’s longer-term plans.
Endo and Chiesa lose out in squad selection
Chiesa missed Liverpool’s opening two league matches with a muscle injury and, according to Iraola, is expected to return to team training around the upcoming international break. His chances of regular playing time are limited regardless. With Bradley Barcola, Víctor Muñoz and Cody Gakpo, Liverpool already have several options out wide, while Ekitike will provide another attacking alternative once he returns.
In Endo’s case, sporting considerations appear to have been the main factor behind his omission. The Japan international was named on the bench against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest but did not feature. In central midfield, Iraola has so far preferred other profiles. That is particularly interesting given Liverpool’s decision not to sign a new specialist holding midfielder over the summer and instead rely on the options already at the club.
Their omission is likely to have an impact on both players’ prospects at Anfield. Endo and Chiesa remain available for domestic competitions but cannot feature in the Champions League during the league phase. Their position within the squad has therefore weakened further, making a move in one of the upcoming transfer windows increasingly plausible.
Liverpool plan for Ekitike and Bradley to return
It is therefore all the more notable that Liverpool have included several long-term absentees on their UEFA list. Ekitike has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles in April, Bradley required surgery after suffering a serious knee injury in January, while Leoni has been working his way back from an ACL tear for almost a year.
Leoni is expected to return to team training during the upcoming international break. Liverpool have yet to give a specific comeback date for Bradley or Ekitike. Their inclusion nevertheless suggests that the club expects both players to be available at some stage during the league phase, which runs until the end of January.
Why Leoni must be registered – but Ngumoha does not
UEFA’s registration rules are an important reason why Liverpool faced some difficult decisions. A maximum of 25 players can be included on List A, with eight places reserved for locally trained players. No more than four of those can be players developed at one or more other clubs within the same national association.
There is also an unlimited List B for younger players. Age alone, however, is not enough. For the 2026/27 season, a player must have been born on or after January 1, 2005 and must also have been eligible to play for Liverpool for an uninterrupted period of at least two years since turning 15. That is why players such as Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns can be registered on List B.
Recent signings Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni do not yet meet the required period of club registration and therefore need a place on List A despite their age. List B can also be updated until the day before each match.
Liverpool open against Atlético Madrid
Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign at home to Atlético Madrid. They will then face LASK, Villarreal, Fenerbahçe, Club Brugge, Porto, Inter Milan and Lens.
Liverpool’s 25-man Champions League squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Vitezslav Jaros
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araújo, Luke Chambers, Isaac Mabaya
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Víctor Muñoz, Ryan Gravenberch, James McConnell
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Bradley Barcola
