As European club football returns after the international break, Premier League teams have announced their squads for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. The selections reveal exciting prospects, surprising omissions, and the strategic decisions clubs have made under UEFA’s squad rules.
Will Arsenal’s 15-Year-Old Max Dowman Make History?
One of the most talked-about names is Arsenal’s Max Dowman. At just 15 years old, Dowman has been named in Arsenal’s 23-man Champions League squad. If he plays before his 16th birthday, he will become the youngest player ever to appear in the competition, breaking the record held by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko.
Dowman, born on 31 December 2009, made his Premier League debut last month at 15 years and 234 days. Arsenal’s squad also includes eight senior summer signings such as Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, but injured striker Gabriel Jesus is absent.
Liverpool’s Squad: Chiesa Omitted, New Signings Included
Liverpool’s 22-man Champions League squad features several new signings including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. However, forward Federico Chiesa is a notable absentee from manager Arne Slot’s list.
Nottingham Forest’s Europa League Squad: Big Names Missing
Nottingham Forest’s record signing Omari Hutchinson is among five summer arrivals left out of their 22-man Europa League squad. Other omissions include goalkeeper Angus Gunn and defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jair Cunha, and Cuiabano. Forwards Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi, both linked with transfers, are also missing.
Other Premier League Clubs’ Selections
Chelsea: New striker Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, was left out of the 23-man Champions League squad despite expressing excitement about playing in the competition.
Tottenham: Manager Thomas Frank omitted £30m signing Mathys Tel but included other summer signings like Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. Injured players James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also absent.
Newcastle United: The Magpies included new forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who replace Alexander Isak, now at Liverpool. Other summer signings like Aaron Ramsdale and Antony Elanga made the squad.
Manchester City: Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined on transfer deadline day, is one of four goalkeepers in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Despite an expected two-month injury layoff, France midfielder Rayan Cherki was also selected.
Aston Villa: Midfielder Ross Barkley was a major omission from their 21-man Europa League squad, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez remains after failing to secure a transfer. New signings Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott, and Jadon Sancho were included.
Crystal Palace: Captain Marc Guehi was named in their Conference League squad after a last-minute move to Liverpool collapsed.
Understanding UEFA Squad Rules
UEFA requires clubs to submit two lists for European competitions:
List A: Up to 25 players, with eight spots reserved for homegrown players. These include at least four “club-trained” players (who have been with the club for three years between ages 15-21) and up to four “association-trained” players (trained in the same country for three years in that age range).
List B: An unlimited number of players born on or after 1 January 2004 who have been eligible for the first team for at least two years.
Players who appeared in qualifying rounds for one club can still play for another club in the group stages and beyond.
What to Watch This Season
With young talents like Max Dowman on the rise and big-name signings making their European debuts, the Premier League’s representation in Europe promises thrilling football. Fans will be eager to see how managers balance youth and experience within UEFA’s squad regulations.
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