Chiesa Could Leave Liverpool in January After Champions League Omission

Federico Chiesa could reportedly consider leaving Liverpool during the January transfer window if he remains unable to establish himself as a regular under manager Andoni Iraola.

The Italy international has struggled to secure consistent playing time since arriving at Anfield, with fitness problems continuing to disrupt his progress. His situation has now become more complicated after Liverpool left him out of their squad for the Champions League campaign.

Chiesa is currently dealing with a muscle problem and is not expected to return until after the upcoming international break. Wataru Endo was also omitted from Liverpool’s European squad, despite both players having featured during the club’s pre-season preparations.

The decision is particularly significant for Chiesa, who had hoped to earn a more prominent role after another summer at Anfield. His involvement in pre-season suggested that he remained part of the club’s plans, only for another injury setback to interrupt his progress.

Chiesa was also linked with a return to Italy during the summer transfer window, although no move materialised and the 28-year-old ultimately remained with Liverpool.

According to reports from BBC and Football Insider, however, a departure in January could become a realistic possibility if Chiesa recovers from injury but continues to struggle for opportunities.

The winger has found it difficult to establish himself since joining Liverpool in the 2025/26 season. Across 36 appearances in all competitions, he has managed three goals and one assist, numbers that underline the limited impact he has been able to make so far.

Competition for places has also become increasingly difficult.

Liverpool parted ways with Mohamed Salah during the summer and responded by bringing in Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz to strengthen their attacking options. Those additions have further increased the number of players competing for positions in the final third.

Chiesa’s versatility could still work in his favour, but regular football may remain difficult to secure once he returns to full fitness.

The coming months will therefore be crucial for the former Juventus forward. If he can recover quickly and convince Iraola that he deserves a place in the first-team plans, a January departure could be avoided.

However, should his situation remain unchanged after the international break, Chiesa may have to consider returning to Italy in search of the regular playing time that has proved difficult to find on Merseyside.

For now, Liverpool will hope that his injury recovery goes smoothly. Chiesa, meanwhile, faces another important period in determining whether his future remains at Anfield or takes him back to Serie A.