Liverpool add Chiesa to Champions League squad after Leoni injury

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 12:56 PM ET

Liverpool have confirmed that Federico Chiesa will replace Giovanni Leoni in the club’s ‘List A’ for the Champions League, after the young centre-back suffered an ACL injury against Southampton.

The young defender made his debut for the Reds against the Saints in their Carabao Cup clash during the week and put in a very good account of himself.

However, the youngster landed awkwardly late on and was stretchered off in tears. The next day, Liverpool confirmed Leoni had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The official confirmation comes from Liverpool’s website.

Unfortunate Leoni ACL opens door for Chiesa

Now, Chiesa will step into the Champions League squad, after being initially left out of head coach Arne Slot’s squad for the competition.

It was a devastating blow for the winger to be excluded and whilst Leoni’s injury is unfortunate, the former Juventus man will now get the chance to show his worth on Europe’s biggest stage.

Federico Chiesa will now be eligible for next week’s trip to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray, after a late winner from centre-back Virgil Van Dijk granted the Premier League a victory in their tournament opener against Atletico Madrid last week.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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