Liverpool’s Chiesa Earns Champions League Spot After Leoni’s Injury Setback

September 25, 2025 – Federico Chiesa is set to join Liverpool’s Champions League squad following a devastating injury to 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni. The young Italian suffered a torn ACL during his debut in the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton on Tuesday, sidelining him for an estimated 6-9 months, according to medical projections from the American Journal of Sports Medicine. This injury has triggered a UEFA rule allowing squad adjustments for long-term absences, paving the way for Chiesa’s inclusion.

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for £10 million last year, had been omitted from the initial Champions League roster due to squad limits. His pre-season absence, linked to Juventus sidelining him as part of a strategic shift away from the player, likely contributed to the earlier decision. Despite a challenging start marked by a 2022 ACL recovery and minor fitness setbacks, Chiesa has shown signs of resurgence this season, contributing one goal and one assist in the Premier League.

Manager Arne Slot expressed optimism about Chiesa’s potential impact in Europe, while Leoni, via Instagram, vowed to return stronger from this setback. This unexpected turn of events offers Chiesa a critical opportunity to prove his worth on the continental stage.