Liverpool have made a notable decision ahead of their Champions League campaign, leaving two first-team players out of their European squad.
Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa were both omitted from Liverpool’s List A for the Champions League league phase. Their absence immediately raises questions about their futures at Anfield, particularly after both players have struggled to establish regular roles within the team.
The decision is even more intriguing because Liverpool have registered several players who are currently injured, suggesting the club has carefully considered its squad options for the competition.
Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa Miss Out
Neither Wataru Endo nor Federico Chiesa was included in the Champions League squad submitted by Liverpool on Wednesday, September 2, before the list was officially announced the following evening.
For both players, the omission represents another setback in their attempts to secure regular opportunities.
Endo was still involved on the bench when Liverpool drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest. Chiesa, meanwhile, was not included in the matchday squad.
Their situations are different, but the outcome is similar. Neither player currently appears to be among Liverpool’s preferred options.
Endo joined Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart and previously played an important role in midfield. However, increasing competition for places has reduced his opportunities.
Chiesa has faced a different challenge since arriving at Anfield. Injuries and competition in the attacking positions have prevented the Italian winger from finding consistent form and regular playing time.
Could Endo and Chiesa Still Leave Liverpool?
Their absence from the Champions League squad has naturally increased speculation about their futures at Liverpool.
Both players had opportunities to leave Anfield during the summer transfer window, but no agreement was reached before the transfer window closed in England and most major European leagues.
However, the situation is not necessarily finished.
Transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia remain open, meaning Liverpool could still potentially find an exit for either Endo or Chiesa.
That possibility adds another layer of uncertainty to their situations.
For Liverpool, allowing either player to leave could reduce the number of options available to the manager. At the same time, if they are not expected to play regularly, a departure could provide a solution for everyone involved.
For now, though, their Champions League omission is one of the clearest indications that their roles at Anfield remain uncertain.
Liverpool Register Three Injured Players
Liverpool’s Champions League squad also contains an interesting contrast.
While Endo and Chiesa were left out, three players currently dealing with injuries were included:
- Conor Bradley
- Hugo Ekitike
- Giovanni Leoni
The decision suggests Liverpool remain hopeful that the three players can return to action before the end of the year.
Their inclusion could prove important as Liverpool prepare for a demanding schedule.
The Champions League will add more matches to a season that already includes the Premier League and domestic competitions. Having Bradley, Ekitike and Leoni available again could therefore give Liverpool greater depth during the busy months ahead.
The club’s squad selection appears to be based not only on current fitness but also on expectations for the months to come.
Bradley Barcola Adds Another Attacking Option
Liverpool have also included new signing Bradley Barcola in their Champions League squad.
The French winger arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of around £123 million, making him one of the club’s biggest transfers.
His arrival further increases competition in Liverpool’s attacking department.
That competition could help explain why Chiesa faces an increasingly difficult route back into the regular squad. With more options available in attack, every player must make the most of their opportunities to remain part of the manager’s plans.
Barcola’s arrival therefore has implications beyond simply adding another attacking player.
It potentially makes the pathway to regular minutes even more challenging for Chiesa.
Cody Gakpo Staying at Liverpool
Another important name included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad is Cody Gakpo.
His inclusion effectively ends the latest speculation surrounding his future at Anfield. The Netherlands international had previously been linked with a move to Manchester City.
Liverpool reportedly rejected an offer worth around £80 million from their Premier League rivals.
After deciding to keep Gakpo, Liverpool also stopped pursuing Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh, who had been considered alternative options.
That means Liverpool’s transfer activity was relatively quiet compared with some of their previous windows, although the arrival of Barcola still represented a major move.
For Gakpo, meanwhile, his inclusion confirms that he remains part of Liverpool’s plans for their European campaign.
Atletico Madrid Await at Anfield
Liverpool’s Champions League journey will begin with a major test.
The Reds are scheduled to host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the opening match of the league phase.
The fixture will be followed by a trip to face LASK in mid-October, before Villarreal visit Anfield.
Liverpool will then travel to Turkey to meet Fenerbahce and later face Club Brugge away from home.
FC Porto will also visit Anfield before Liverpool make another trip to Italy to face Inter Milan at San Siro.
That match will have an additional storyline because former Liverpool player Curtis Jones is expected to face his old club after continuing his career in Italy during the summer.
Liverpool Face a Busy European Schedule
The Champions League schedule will test Liverpool’s squad depth throughout the season.
With Premier League matches and domestic competitions running alongside European football, rotation will be essential.
That makes the decision to leave Endo and Chiesa out particularly interesting.
Liverpool clearly believe they have enough options to manage the competition without the pair. Meanwhile, registering injured players suggests the club is planning ahead and expecting several absentees to return during the campaign.
The final squad therefore provides an interesting picture of Liverpool’s current priorities.
Endo and Chiesa Futures Remain Unclear
The omission of Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa does not automatically mean either player will leave Liverpool.
However, it does strengthen the questions surrounding their futures.
Both players have struggled for regular opportunities, and neither was able to secure a move before the main European transfer windows closed.
With transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia still open, there could yet be developments.
For now, Liverpool will turn their attention to the Champions League and their opening clash with Atletico Madrid.
The bigger question is what comes next for Endo and Chiesa. Their absence from Europe’s biggest club competition could prove temporary, or it could become another sign that their time at Anfield is gradually approaching a crossroads.
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