| Prefer us on Google — see Tips.gg in Top Stories & Discover | Add on Google |
Jamie Carragher has warned that Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo face bleak futures at Anfield after being excluded from Andoni Iraola’s Champions League squad. The former Reds defender stated the pair are effectively frozen out of the new manager’s plans and suggested they should have been sold.
Iraola Makes Brutal Champions League Cuts
Iraola made a sharp statement of intent early in his Liverpool tenure by excluding Chiesa and Endo from his 2026-27 Champions League squad. The new Reds boss submitted his 25-man roster ahead of their European opener against Atletico Madrid on September 9, leaving both established internationals watching from the sidelines.
The omissions stem from strict UEFA registration rules, which allow a maximum of 17 non-locally trained players on List A. Iraola allocated these spots to £123 million arrival Bradley Barcola, fellow summer signing Victor Munoz, and even injured forward Hugo Ekitike, leaving no room for Chiesa or Endo.
Carragher Issues Grim Playing Time Warning
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher offered a direct assessment of the duo’s standing at Anfield, suggesting neither player fits into Iraola’s tactical vision for the upcoming campaign.
“Liverpool have got two players in the squad who are never going to play. And there are all these quotas, you can only have 17 players and all that. They have got Chiesa and Endo. It’s like they are never going to kick a ball.”
The Sky Sports pundit was particularly critical of the club’s decision to retain the Japanese midfielder this summer.
“Endo should have been moved on. He has done great, a bit of a cult hero.”
Endo and Chiesa Fall Down the Pecking Order
Both players have struggled to solidify long-term roles on Merseyside, despite remaining under contract until 2027 and 2028 respectively. Endo found his minutes drastically reduced last season, managing just eight Premier League appearances and a single Champions League outing.
Chiesa’s Anfield career has been continually derailed by fitness problems. The 28-year-old is currently nursing a muscle injury and remains a peripheral figure. His current setback is not considered long-term, yet Iraola’s decision to register long-term absentees like Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni over a nearing-fitness Chiesa highlights just how marginalised he has become.
Premier League Focus Shifts Before European Duty
Liverpool must navigate a domestic clash against Ipswich Town on Friday before switching attention to European matters. Iraola’s side will then welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield, kicking off a demanding league phase schedule that includes tough trips to Inter and Fenerbahce.
Read also: Liverpool’s 6 Summer Signings Ranked After £250m Spent
For Chiesa and Endo, immediate prospects appear limited to domestic cup competitions. Unless a severe injury crisis forces a permitted squad alteration later in the European campaign, their continental aspirations are firmly on hold. Follow TipsGG for ongoing coverage of Liverpool’s season across all competitions.