Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on Monday that Federico Chiesa would not be part of the 21-man squad travelling to Turkey. Chiesa, who has shown promise in the early stages of the season, withdrew from the final training session after attempting to participate but failing to complete the full session.
Slot described it as a precautionary measure, emphasizing the need to manage his fitness given the demanding schedule ahead.
“He got a little niggle in the last game against Palace,” Slot told reporters when asked about the decision. “He tried today, he was on the pitch in the beginning but he couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”
While Liverpool sources and the club have framed his omission as injury-related, some observers suggest there may also be a selection dimension to the decision. Earlier in the week, there was speculation that Chiesa’s role in Slot’s European plans remained uncertain, particularly after being left out initially from the Champions League squad before returning to eligibility following a late update relating to Giovanni Leoni’s injury.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool in August 2024 from Juventus, has struggled to secure consistent playing time during his first season. He managed only limited minutes in the Premier League and was often used as a substitute.
A new ruling from UEFA for the 2025–26 season allowed Liverpool to make a late squad change after Giovanni Leoni’s long-term knee injury, facilitating Chiesa’s inclusion in the European roster.
However, the question now is whether his omission for this particular match reflects more than just fitness caution. Some reports have suggested that Chiesa’s absence might also stem from Slot’s broader tactical preferences: in effect, that the Dutch coach may not yet fully see Chiesa as a key element of his Champions League rotations despite the Italian having been very productive in his limited time on the pitch.
Indeed, over the first few matches of this season, Chiesa has shown flashes of influence. In the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton, he produced two assists and impressed observers with his intensity and attacking intent. He also scored in Liverpool’s recent Premier League loss against Crystal Palace, coming off the bench and giving hope to fans that he might become a more reliable attacking option.
Despite that, Liverpool’s forward ranks remain competitive. Slot can call on Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and others — a depth that may make consistent starts more elusive for Chiesa.
Chiesa’s move to Liverpool was viewed as a bet on revitalizing his career in the Premier League after a storied period in Serie A, both at Fiorentina and Juventus. But injuries and competition have clouded his adaptation.
He endured several fitness setbacks last season and found opportunities limited under Slot. Nonetheless, his early displays this season have reminded many supporters why he was once considered one of Italy’s brightest wingers.
Liverpool’s manager is under pressure to respond to the club’s first Premier League defeat of the season, having lost 2–1 to Palace. Slot has publicly blamed defensive lapses and set-piece vulnerabilities, insisting the team must improve across the board.
Without Chiesa, Liverpool must balance their ambition in Europe with the risk of overextending their attacking staff before the domestic fixtures pile up.
Galatasaray come into the tie in strong domestic form, but despite their 5–1 European losses which some called emphatic, Slot insisted his side would not underestimate them.