Potential Federico Chiesa silver lining at Liverpool as major Champions League rule change revealed
Liverpool sprung a surprise when they omitted Federico Chiesa from their Champions League squad, but he could still feature in the competition at some point.
Chiesa stayed at Liverpool after much uncertainty over his future, and the Italian winger has grown in popularity and importance after a difficult first year at Anfield.
With Luis Diaz leaving Liverpool, along with several other attacking players, Chiesa may prove to be a very useful backup across the front line.
However, Chiesa was left out of the Champions League registration, with one senior player needing to be omitted due to numbers, but he may have now been handed a lifeline.
UEFA rule change could benefit Federico Chiesa
UEFA have now announced a rule change for the Champions League, which several clubs will benefit from, and Chiesa will be delighted.
As reported by the Daily Mail, clubs will now be able to register another player into their squad, if there is a long-term injury or illness to a registered player.
- Chiesa joined from Juventus for around £13 million last summer.
- The winger made just one start in the Premier League last season.
- The Italian scored a vital goal against Bournemouth on the opening day.
This rule will be in place up until matchday six, and has been implemented amid concerns about player workloads and injuries.
If Liverpool suffer a long-term injury between now and December 9, when they take on Inter Milan at San Siro, then Chiesa can replace the stricken player in the squad and feature in Europe.
Federico Chiesa likely to leave Liverpool next summer
Despite his popularity at the club, another season as a barely-used backup would only set Chiesa’s career back further, after a difficult few years at Juventus following a long-term injury.
Unless there is an injury which allows him to join the Champions League squad, the 27-year-old will not play in Europe, but the Italian will hope that this could lead to more domestic minutes in the games surrounding the European ties.
While Chiesa appears happy now, next summer could be the best time for him to leave, with Liverpool still able to get some value out of him, unless he plays a bigger role than is currently expected of him.
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