European giants make tough calls with Champions League squad lists

Chelsea have excluded new signing Facundo Buonanotte, though Willian Estevao has made the cut, while Arsenal have left Gabriel Jesus out of their 23-man squad due to injury, including Max Dowman instead.

Liverpool have also made a surprise call, leaving Federico Chiesa out of their Champions League roster, though Rio Ngumoha is included, highlighting the club's faith in their younger talents.

Tottenham Hotspur opted not to register Mathys Tel for Europe's elite competition this season, further underlining the tough selection choices managers face.

Other notable absentees across the continent include Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, all missing out on the chance to compete in the group stages.

These decisions underline how squad limitations and tactical considerations can impact even top-tier players.

With the Champions League set to kick off, managers will need to rely on their registered squads while some big names look on from the sidelines, hoping to get their opportunities in domestic competitions instead.