Chelsea have confirmed their official squad list for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign, but the announcement has raised eyebrows after only 23 players were registered instead of the maximum 25 allowed.
The Blues, who return to Europe’s elite competition under Enzo Maresca, submitted their “List A” of senior players alongside “List B” for eligible under-21s. However, the decision to leave out both goalkeeper Gaga Slonina and Facundo Buonanotte, despite their eligibility challenges, has sparked debate among fans and pundits. The absence of two potential talents means Chelsea have effectively gone into the group stage short-handed, especially with injuries already depleting the squad.
According to UEFA rules, clubs may register up to 25 senior players on List A, with at least eight being homegrown. Of these, four must be club-trained. Chelsea’s submission included 14 non-homegrown names, six association-trained, and three who count as club-trained. But crucially, two available spots were left unfilled without explanation, despite UEFA’s confirmation that financial fair play restrictions did not prevent new signings from being listed.
The non-homegrown group features big names such as Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and young Brazilian Estêvão, while Benoît Badiashile, Noni Madueke, and new arrivals like Kenan Yıldız Neto and Ian Maatsen Hato also make the cut. Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, and João Pedro headline the association-trained contingent, alongside goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. The three club-trained representatives are academy graduates Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and captain Reece James.
Chelsea’s “List B” is shorter but includes exciting prospects: midfielder Romeo Lavia, youngster Tyrique George, and emerging defender Kiano Acheampong. These players qualify due to being under 21 and having spent sufficient years at the club.
The shock omission of Slonina, widely tipped as a future No.1, is particularly puzzling, as it leaves the squad with just two senior goalkeepers in Sánchez and new signing João Pedro. With Colwill and Delap currently sidelined, Chelsea are effectively reduced to 21 available players for the early stages of Europe’s toughest competition.
For manager Enzo Maresca, the trimmed-down list will force reliance on flexibility and depth from his core squad as Chelsea prepare to navigate a packed European schedule. Supporters are already questioning whether the club has gambled unnecessarily in a season where continental performance is a key benchmark for success.
The Champions League league phase kicks off later this month, and Chelsea will discover whether this unusual squad gamble pays off or exposes them when injuries and fatigue inevitably bite. For now, all eyes are on Maresca’s ability to mould a slightly under-staffed group into contenders on Europe’s biggest stage.
