Andoni Iraola Omits Two Stars From Liverpool's Champions League Squad As Surprise Name Included

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has made two notable omissions from the club's 2026/27 Champions League squad, with Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo left out of the 25-man list. Surprisingly, injured trio Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have all been included as Liverpool prepare for their return to Europe's elite competition.

Andoni Iraola has made several significant decisions in selecting Liverpool's squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase, with experienced first-team players Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo among those who have missed out.

The selections have attracted particular attention because Liverpool have also included three players currently recovering from injuries, most notably striker Hugo Ekitiké, whose inclusion could offer encouragement over his rehabilitation and potential return later in the campaign.

Chiesa And Endo Miss Out

Federico Chiesa's omission is perhaps less surprising given his difficult spell since arriving at Anfield. The Italian winger has struggled for regular opportunities and was unable to feature in Liverpool's opening Premier League matches of the season after suffering a muscle injury.

Although Chiesa remains eligible to play in domestic competition, his absence from the Champions League squad means he will not be available for Liverpool's league-phase fixtures.

Wataru Endo has also been excluded despite Liverpool's need for options in midfield. The Japan international therefore faces a similar situation to Chiesa, with his involvement restricted to competitions for which he remains registered.

Ekitiké Inclusion Raises Eyebrows

The biggest surprise is the inclusion of Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker has been recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in April against Paris Saint-Germain and has been expected to remain sidelined for a considerable period.

His selection nevertheless keeps the door open for Ekitiké to contribute during the Champions League campaign should his recovery progress sufficiently.

The decision also suggests Liverpool are planning with the possibility of Ekitiké returning later in the league phase rather than treating his current absence as a reason to remove him from the European squad altogether.

Bradley And Leoni Also Included

Conor Bradley has also been selected despite his injury situation, while young defender Giovanni Leoni has been named in the squad as Liverpool prepare for a demanding European campaign.

Leoni's inclusion is particularly interesting because UEFA's registration requirements for younger players can differ from the Premier League's rules. Liverpool therefore had to make careful decisions regarding which players needed to be formally registered.

Iraola Faces Important European Decisions

The selections provide an early insight into Iraola's approach to managing Liverpool's squad. The former Bournemouth manager is preparing for his first Champions League campaign as Liverpool head coach after replacing Arne Slot.

Liverpool qualified for the competition after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season and benefiting from England's additional European place.

Iraola has already made clear that Liverpool must focus on building a sustainable squad rather than making short-term decisions simply to address individual problems. His Champions League selections reflect that wider approach.

A Difficult European Challenge Awaits

Liverpool's Champions League campaign will begin with a demanding league phase. The Reds have been drawn to face Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Villarreal and Lens at Anfield, while their away fixtures include meetings with Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Fenerbahçe and LASK Linz.

With eight league-phase matches to navigate alongside domestic football, squad management will be crucial. Iraola will need to balance immediate results with the longer-term fitness of key players.

Competition For Places Intensifies

The omission of Chiesa and Endo demonstrates the level of competition for limited Champions League places at Liverpool. With new arrivals such as Bradley Barcola, Victor Muñoz and Alexander Isak strengthening the squad, several established players now face difficult battles for regular involvement.

For Chiesa and Endo, the omissions represent a setback, but they do not necessarily signal the end of their Liverpool careers. Both remain capable of contributing in domestic competitions if called upon.

Ultimately, Iraola's Champions League squad selections underline the difficult decisions involved in managing a large squad at the highest level. The exclusion of Chiesa and Endo has raised questions, while the inclusion of injured players such as Ekitiké has created an intriguing subplot. With Liverpool preparing for a return to European football's biggest stage, Iraola's decisions will be closely scrutinised as the season develops.