Liverpool Could Use UEFA 'Loophole' to Add Player to Champions League Squad

Liverpool could potentially make a late change to their Champions League squad due to a new UEFA rule brought in only weeks ago.

Liverpool kicked off their European campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night. They then beat Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby on Saturday before following that up with another late winner in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

While it was another positive result for Arne Slot's side in midweek, not everything went to plan for the Dutchman.

Hugo Ekitike was sent off for what his head coach described as a "stupid" decision to remove his shirt after scoring against the Saints, while young defender Giovanni Leoni suffered what appeared to be a serious injury on debut for the club.

Leoni, who joined Liverpool in a £26m move from Parma this summer, fell awkwardly after challenging for the ball near the touchline and was taken off on a stretcher.

Speaking after the match, Slot said he was unsure about the severity of Leoni's injury.

"He's down because for him it didn't feel good immediately," said Slot.

Giovanni Leoni sustained an injury against Southampton (Image: Getty)

"But this is something now we have to assess and normally these things don't happen in five to 10 minutes, you have to wait until tomorrow to see how he comes in and then maybe do an MRI scan to know more."

Leoni's injury could potentially open the door for another player to be included in Liverpool's Champions League squad due to a UEFA rule 'loophole', with the Reds next due to face Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday.

A recent change to UEFA's regulations means Liverpool might be able to replace Leoni in their 22-man squad if the Italian has suffered a 'long-term' injury.

UEFA's ruling executive committee announced earlier this month it had approved an 'amendment' to squad regulations for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League this season.

Clubs are now allowed the 'temporary' replacement of one outfield player 'with a long-term injury or illness' up until the sixth competition match day in December.

An injury or illness is considered 'long-term' by UEFA if it lasts at least 60 days as of the day the injury or illness occurred. Even if players recover before this 60 day deadline, they are not allowed to retake their place in the squad if they have been replaced by a teammate.

Chelsea have already made use of the rule, bringing Facundo Buonanotte in for the injured Dario Essugo, while Nottingham Forest have done similar - replacing Ola Aina with Oleksandr Zinchenko.

While it remains to be seen how severe Leoni's injury is, Slot will be considering his options as he awaits the full report from Liverpool's medical team.

Chiesa impressed against Southampton (Image: Getty)

Who could replace Giovanni Leoni?

The most notable omission from Liverpool's Champions League squad when it was announced earlier this month was Leoni's compatriot Federico Chiesa.

The Italy international wasn't included after struggling for minutes under Slot. However, he impressed in Tuesday's win over Southampton, providing two assists - with fans now calling for him to be named in the Champions League squad.

"I'm sorry but Chiesa not being in the Champions League squad is genuinely a crime," joked one fan on X.

Another added: "It's a disgrace Federico Chiesa isn't included in the Champions League squad."

Chiesa was initially left out as Liverpool were only allowed a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players in their squad. However, the potential removal of Leoni could now open the door for the Italian.

However, Slot may prefer to bring in a direct replacement for Leoni, with centre-back Rhys Williams the most obvious candidate.