The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season has kicked off with elite clubs unveiling their official squad lists—but not without controversy. Several high-profile players have been surprisingly excluded from their teams’ A-list rosters, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike. From injury setbacks to emotional recovery periods, this year’s omissions reflect both tactical decisions and deeper off-pitch issues.

Here’s a breakdown of the most notable exclusions and the stories behind them.

Tottenham Hotspur: Mathys Tel Left Out Amid Racial Abuse Fallout

Tottenham’s Champions League squad announcement raised eyebrows with the exclusion of Mathys Tel, a top-rated young talent. While the club has not provided an official reason, speculation is rife that the decision may be linked to the Super Cup Final incident against PSG, where Tel missed a crucial penalty and was reportedly subjected to racial abuse.

Sources close to the club suggest Spurs may have opted to give Tel time away from the spotlight to recover emotionally and mentally from the ordeal. The move has sparked conversations around player welfare and the psychological toll of high-pressure matches.

Other notable exclusions from Spurs’ UCL squad include:

• Yves Bissouma – reportedly out of favor under the current tactical setup
• James Maddison – recovering from a long-term injury
• Dejan Kulusevski – fitness concerns and form issues
• Kota Takai – developmental reasons
• Radu Dragusin – tactical reshuffle in defense

Tottenham’s trimmed A-list squad has only 22 players, well below the UEFA maximum of 25, suggesting strategic restraint or internal challenges.

 Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus Out, Max Dowman In

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made a bold call by excluding Gabriel Jesus, who is still recovering from knee surgery following an ACL injury sustained in January. The Brazilian striker is expected to be sidelined until early 2026, making his inclusion impractical for the group stage.

In a surprise move, 15-year-old Max Dowman has been added to the squad. The young midfielder has impressed in training and is seen as a long-term prospect. His inclusion signals Arsenal’s commitment to youth development and squad depth.

Liverpool: Federico Chiesa Dropped, Rio Ngumoha Promoted

Liverpool fans were stunned to see Federico Chiesa omitted from the Champions League squad. Despite being a cult favorite, Chiesa’s lack of consistent playing time and UEFA’s non-homegrown player limits forced manager Arne Slot to make a tough decision.

Instead, Rio Ngumoha, a teenage sensation signed from Chelsea last summer, has been included. Ngumoha didn’t qualify for the B-list due to UEFA regulations, making his A-list inclusion necessary. The move reflects Liverpool’s future-focused strategy and squad balance priorities.

Chelsea: Buonanotte Out, Estevão In

Chelsea’s Champions League squad features only three club-trained players—Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and the injured Levi Colwill—falling short of UEFA’s requirement of four. As a result, the Blues could only name a 24-man squad.

The casualty? Facundo Buonanotte, a deadline-day signing from Brighton who had expressed excitement about playing in Europe’s top competition. In his place, Chelsea opted for Estevão, a rising Brazilian star with high potential.

The decision underscores Chelsea’s ruthless squad management and long-term planning.

Manchester City: Lewis and O’Reilly on Team B

Manchester City’s squad announcement was less dramatic but still notable. Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly were left off the A-list but included in Team B, which allows clubs to register younger players who have been with the club for two consecutive years since age 15.

This strategic move enables City to maintain squad flexibility while complying with UEFA regulations.

Final Thoughts: Squad Management in the Spotlight

The 2025/26 Champions League squad announcements have revealed more than just tactical preferences—they’ve exposed the emotional, regulatory, and developmental layers behind elite football management. From Mathys Tel’s exclusion amid racial abuse concerns to Gabriel Jesus’ injury recovery, clubs are navigating complex decisions that go far beyond the pitch.

As the group stage unfolds, fans will be watching not just the players who made the cut—but also those who didn’t.

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