Liverpool left Chiesa out of CL squad as Besiktas circle

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has been left out of the club's Champions League squad for the opening phase of the competition, a development that has intensified questions about his future at Anfield and prompted interest from Turkish side Besiktas. The exclusion comes after a season in which Chiesa struggled for game time and amid reports the club is reluctant to sanction a loan move before the Turkish transfer deadline on Friday.

Arne Slot omitted Chiesa from Liverpool's A list for the Champions League, with the club instead including youngster Rio Ngumoha, according to reports. That decision means Chiesa will be ineligible for European matches until at least the knockout stages, should Liverpool progress. Club sources and media outlets noted Liverpool named 22 players on the A list, below the permitted maximum of 25, with one slot widely believed to have been reserved for Alexander Isak, who completed a record transfer after squads were submitted.

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer, made 14 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Anfield, contributing two goals and two assists, according to match tallies. He has featured in all three of...