Federico Chiesa Faces Liverpool Fight After Champions League Snub

Federico Chiesa has returned to Liverpool first-team training after a pre-season lower-back problem, but the 28-year-old is already under major pressure to force his way into Andoni Iraola’s plans.

Key takeaways

• Chiesa was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad, along with midfielder Wataru Endo.
• The Italy winger has not played since suffering a back injury during the summer preparation period.
• Iraola has reportedly made clear that Chiesa may need to leave if he cannot quickly earn selection.
• Chiesa has five goals from 50 Liverpool appearances since arriving in 2024.
• His contract runs until June 2028, although a January departure is now a possibility.

European omission sharpens the fight

Chiesa’s exclusion from the European group is the clearest indication yet of his difficult position under Liverpool’s new manager, who has been in charge for only three months.

Endo has also been frozen out, having yet to feature for a single minute this season, while Chiesa must now overcome both lost fitness time and strong competition in attack.

The former Juventus player had hoped a managerial change would offer him a reset at Anfield. Instead, his injury disrupted the key weeks in which he could have shown Iraola what he can offer.

This is not the first time Chiesa has missed out on Liverpool’s Champions League list. He was initially omitted last season before being added in September following Giovanni Leoni’s injury.

January decision could follow

Liverpool signed Chiesa under Arne Slot in the summer of 2024 for £12.5 million, expecting him to become an important attacking option. His spell in England has instead been affected by inconsistent displays and recurring fitness issues.

Chiesa is understood to have been warned that he must make an immediate impact or prepare for an exit. A move in the January window could suit all parties if regular football remains out of reach.

The winger wants to work his way back into Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad, and that ambition depends on playing consistently. Liverpool would look to recover as much as possible of their outlay should he be placed on the market.

For now, Chiesa’s next task is straightforward: prove his fitness in training, earn minutes under Iraola and reverse a rapidly worsening Anfield situation.