Arne Slot reveals why in-form Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool squad for Champions League clash with Galatasaray

Chiesa enjoyed an impressive run of form last week as he scored a goal and provided two assists for the Reds. He first starred with a couple of assists in the club's 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup and then scored the only goal for Liverpool in their 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace in the Premier League. 

Earlier on Monday, Liverpool announced a 21-member travelling squad to Turkey that will face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Slot named a star-studded roster, Chiesa was a notable absentee from the list of players.

Speaking to reporters, the Liverpool manager said: "He got a little niggle, I think it is the word you use here in England, in the last game against Palace. He tried it 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."

Chiesa has proved to be a key member of Slot's first-team in the 2025-26 campaign and the Dutch coach will hope that he recovers from his injury soon and be ready to take the field in their crucial away fixture of Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.