Liverpool star handed Champions League lifeline as new UEFA rule gives green light

Liverpool are adding Federico Chiesa into their Champions League squad following Giovanni Leoni's debut injury. The Italian centre-back, who joined the Reds in a £26m move from Parma this summer, had an impressive first match against Southampton on Tuesday night.

However, the teenager's evening was cut short when he was forced off after 81 minutes, following a seemingly harmless battle for the ball. After receiving extensive treatment at the side of the pitch, Leoni was stretchered off, with Slot admitting post-match that the player was not optimistic about his condition.

Leoni underwent scans on Wednesday, which confirmed a serious knee injury. Liverpool are currently unwilling to estimate the length of Leoni's absence, but, as first reported by the Liverpool Echoit is understood that the club's medical staff are concerned about a significant problem for the young Italian.

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With the youngster now set to be sidelined for an extended period Liverpool will take the option to adjust their Champions League squad. UEFA altered their registration rules on the eve of this year's tournament, allowing clubs to make one change to their squad during the league phase in response to long-term injury or illness.

Should an outfield player face a minimum 60-day absence, clubs are now permitted to bring in a replacement - with this regulation valid through to matchday six.

Following discussions at the UEFA Executive Committee, the governing body announced the modification earlier this month, explaining: "The Executive Committee approved an amendment to the 2025/26 UEFA men's club competitions' regulations to admit the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player with long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday six included.

"The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure."

Now with Leoni expected to miss most of the campaign, Liverpool are adding Chiesa into their squad.

Questions were asked when Slot opted to exclude the Italian from his initial Champions League selection and the Dutchman acknowledged that Chiesa had been disappointed with the verdict - although he had responded positively during training sessions.

Slot's choice was essentially forced upon him due to UEFA restrictions and the Reds' transfer deadline day activity.

Slot chose to pick Rio Ngumoha over the Italian, despite the fact that the 17-year-old had to occupy one of Liverpool's 17 overseas slots, due to him not yet qualifying for a homegrown spot or 'List B' under UEFA squad regulations, as he only joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer at the age of 15.

However, with Leoni now facing a long spell on the sidelines, Slot will have to turn to Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson as potential centre-back options if required - beyond his remaining senior trio of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez - with Chiesa now a part of the squad.

Liverpool return to European action against Galatasaray on September 30.

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