Arne Slot has just made a decision that could help Liverpool win the Champions League this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool will be eager to follow up last season’s Premier League title with a second domestic triumph in a row, alongside the Champions League trophy.

The Reds won the coveted European trophy in 2019, following it up with a multitude of trophies including two Premier League titles, the UEFA Supercup and the Club World Cup.

And Liverpool have begun this season superbly, bouncing back from their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace by winning all seven competitive games so far this term.

Now, Arne Slot has made a decision that could potentially help the Reds go all the way in the Champions League.

Federico Chiesa can help Liverpool win the Champions League after reprieve

Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win against Southampton proved bittersweet, with new signing Giovanni Leoni – who did so well on his debut – suffering a serious injury.

Numerous reports have suggested that Leoni has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will need surgery ahead of a lengthy recovery period.

Leoni was in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, but considering he’s set to miss most – if not all – of the season, he is not being kept in.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, Slot has opted to name Federico Chiesa in his Champions League squad after he initially missed the cut.

Slot’s initial decision to omit Chiesa proved controversial among Liverpool fans, considering he is an experienced and talented player who could offer a lot to the side.

And while it could have previously been argued that Chiesa’s form was not at the required level, his masterclass against Southampton suggests he has turned a corner.

Liverpool fans raved about Chiesa’s display as he grabbed both assists for Liverpool en route to a 2-1 win over the Championship side.

The Italian set up Alexander Isak for his opener before assisting Hugo Ekitike for the crucial second goal.

While it’s devastating to see Leoni ruled out for a long period of time, Liverpool have replaced him with a player who brings a lot to the table.

In addition, Chiesa will be especially eager to show what he can do now that he has earned this reprieve.

He will want to update his story at Liverpool from that of a bit-part player to that of a Reds cult hero or, even better, an Anfield legend.

READ MORE: Forget Alexander Isak, Liverpool summer signing with 97 percent pass accuracy was the real deal vs Southampton

How Liverpool have been allowed to replace Giovanni Leoni with Federico Chiesa

Previously, Liverpool – or any other team – would not have been able to make changes to their squad until after the group stage.

However, UEFA amended their registration rules just before this year’s tournament.

Now, clubs are allowed to make one change to their squad during the league phase in response to long-term injury or illness.

If an outfield player is expected to be out for at least 60 days, a club can now replace them in their squad – with this rule applicable until matchday six.

UEFA wrote in a statement: “The Executive Committee approved an amendment to the 2025/26 UEFA men’s club competitions’ regulations to admit the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player with long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday six included.

“The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”