Taking advantage of UEFA's new rule, Liverpool is well-positioned to register Chiesa for the Champions League

Following the serious injury to new signing Giovanni Leoni, coach Arne Slot will have to reconsider his squad plans for the rest of the season.

Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup seemed perfect as newcomers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both scored. However, the joy was quickly overshadowed by a severe injury to Giovanni Leoni, the young Italian center-back recently acquired from Parma for £26 million.

The 18-year-old had to be stretchered off in the 80th minute, with initial reports indicating an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

This is a major blow for coach Arne Slot, especially given Liverpool's limited options in central defense. The failed transfer of captain Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on the last day of the transfer window now feels even more regrettable. Nevertheless, there is a silver lining as Leoni's injury unexpectedly gives The Kop a chance to utilize a new UEFA clause in the Champions League.

According to the amended regulation effective from the 2025/26 season, clubs are allowed to replace one player in their 25-man Champions League squad before the sixth matchday if that player suffers a long-term injury (at least 60 days). This rule aims to prevent teams from being understaffed and to reduce the burden on the remaining players.

Liverpool is highly likely to use this single replacement slot to register Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger was initially excluded due to squad size restrictions but has started the season impressively, scoring the decisive goal against Bournemouth and assisting both goals in the match against Southampton. Although not a center-back like Leoni, Chiesa will still add firepower to Liverpool’s European campaign.

Coach Slot faces a tough defensive challenge, but adding Chiesa to the Champions League squad at least provides him with more attacking rotation options. Given the congested schedule, leveraging the “new rule” could be a strategic advantage for Liverpool to maintain squad depth and continue their pursuit of continental glory.