LIVERPOOL could follow Chelsea by exploiting a Uefa loophole to add Federico Chiesa to their Champions League squad.
The Italian forward was snubbed from Arne Slot’s initial European group, with many fans describing the decision as “criminal.”
New Uefa rules state the Reds can replace the injured Giovanni Leoni[/caption]
Chiesa, 27, is a 51-time Italy international and highly popular among Anfield supporters.
But now, the winger could be set to feature in the Champions League after all.
Fellow Italian Giovanni Leoni made his debut in Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
The defender joined Liverpool for £26million from Parma this summer.
But his first appearance ended badly after he was stretchered off with a serious injury.
And due to a new Uefa rule only brought in weeks ago, Liverpool are now allowed to replace Leoni in their continental squad.
It has opened the door for Chiesa to take his place, despite the stars playing in different positions.
Chelsea have already taken advantage of it, with Facundo Buonanotte replacing Dario Essugo.
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While in the Europa League, Nottingham Forest subbed out injured Ola Aina for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Uefa stunned clubs with a surprise announcement this month, revealing it had agreed an “amendment” to registry regulations.
The governing body announced clubs will be allowed the “temporary” replacement of one outfield player “with a long-term injury or illness.”
Uefa added: “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”
It remains to be seen whether Slot decides to recall Chiesa though.
Young centre-back Rhys Williams was also left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
And he could get the nod if Slot feels his squad is light on defenders.
