Jesus, Chiesa, Tel notable absentees in CL squads

By Author On Sep 4, 2025

Gabriel Jesus, Mathys Tel, and Federico Chiesa have been notably excluded from their respective clubs’ 23-player squads submitted for this season’s UEFA Champions League. Jesus, sidelined since January due to knee surgery, has not featured this season for Arsenal and is absent from their squad. Tottenham Hotspur has left out their £35 million summer signing, Mathys Tel, despite making his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent this summer. Liverpool has excluded Federico Chiesa, even though he has been described as “totally different” this season by manager Arne Slot.

Jesus’ exclusion follows his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, which has kept him out of action since early this year. Arsenal, meanwhile, have included teenage sensation Max Dowman in their squad, a promising talent who became the Premier League’s second-youngest debutant this season. Tottenham’s decision to omit Tel, a France U21 international and the first signing under new manager Thomas Frank, comes despite the inclusion of other summer signings such as Xavi Simons, João Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, and Randal Kolo Muani. Tel has yet to start a match under Frank. Liverpool’s decision to omit Chiesa, a player known for his flair and offensive capabilities, comes as the club includes new youth prospect Rio Ngumoha, who recently scored a dramatic winner in the Premier League.

For Arsenal, Jesus’ absence points to continued management of his fitness and a reliance on emerging talents as they strive for Champions League success. Tottenham faces challenges in squad registration due to UEFA homegrown player rules and non-homegrown player limits, necessitating tough choices like the omission of Tel and other players like Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin. Liverpool’s squad composition suggests a focus on integrating youth while managing the fitness and availability of key players like Chiesa.