New Chelsea signing Facundo Buonanotte brutally left OUT of Champions League squad just two days after revealing excitement at playing in elite European competition for first time

Buonanotte joined the West London giants on September 1 in a season-long loan deal from Brighton. It was Chelsea’s tenth signing of the window and their fifth attacking addition in what has been one of the busiest recruitment drives in club history. The deal, worth around £2 million in loan fees, was struck after Chelsea swooped in at the final moment to beat Leeds United, who had been close to securing him. The South American youngster arrived at Stamford Bridge with a solid reputation, having made 50 appearances for Brighton, scoring five goals, and already boasting two senior caps for Argentina.  

When signing, Buonanotte spoke with pride about joining Chelsea and specifically about playing under the bright lights of Europe’s biggest stage. 

“It’s a massive step in my career,” he told club media. "I’m really happy to be here and ready to offer as much as I can to the team and the staff. I’m sure it will be a positive season. Of course, I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge. I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can help the club to achieve its goals."

Just two days later, those words were rendered hollow as his name was left off Chelsea’s official Champions League squad list.

With Enzo Maresca dealing with an inflated squad packed with new arrivals, tough choices had to be made. Regulations restrict Champions League squads to 25 senior players, and while youngsters under 21 who have been at the club for more than two years can be added freely, Buonanotte does not qualify. As a result, Maresca wielded the axe, and Buonanotte, one of the most recent arrivals, was among the casualties. 

While Buonanotte sits out, Chelsea have still managed to squeeze in other high-profile names. Alejandro Garnacho, snapped up from Manchester United this summer, has been included. Romeo Lavia, Tyrique George, and Josh Acheampong also qualify under UEFA’s youth exemption rules and will be available.

UEFA’s strict financial regulations have intensified Chelsea’s selection headaches. In July, the club were slapped with a €31 million (£27m/$36m) fine and told they must ensure a positive transfer balance from last season’s Conference League squad to this season’s Champions League squad. That ruling forced the club to be extra cautious in how they constructed their European roster. 

Despite the setback, Buonanotte’s Chelsea journey is far from over. With domestic competitions offering plenty of fixtures, the Argentine will have opportunities to impress and force his way into the club's plans. Clubs are also permitted to make three squad changes before the knockout stages, offering him a slim chance at redemption if he performs strongly. The Blues open their group stage on September 17 in Munich, facing German giants Bayern. It’s the kind of glamour tie Buonanotte had been dreaming of, but one he will now miss. 

Chelsea’s Champions League squad for league phase

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorell Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho