Chelsea signing Facundo Buonanotte is out of the Champions League squad.

Chelsea confirmed their 25-man squad for the 2024/25 Champions League, and one notable omission caught attention: Facundo Buonanotte. The Argentine midfielder, signed on loan from Brighton late in the transfer window, will only be available for domestic competitions under coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s Champions League Squad Announced
UEFA rules allow a maximum of 25 players on List A, with two spots reserved for goalkeepers. Chelsea’s official list includes:
- Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Jorgensen
- Defenders: Cucurella, Hato, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill, Chalobah, Fofana, James, Gusto
- Midfielders: Garnacho, Gittens, Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Palmer, Caicedo, Essugo
- Forwards: Estêvão, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, Delap, Guiu
Additional young players such as Acheampong, Romeo Lavia, and Tyrique George were registered on List B, which covers academy-developed players. Buonanotte, however, was left out.
Why Buonanotte Missed Out
The 20-year-old arrived too late in the summer window for Chelsea to adjust their European squad plans. While he will contribute in the Premier League and domestic cups, he won’t be eligible to feature in Europe this season.
Buonanotte spent last year on loan at Leicester City, where he scored six goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances, despite the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea’s Road in the Champions League
The Blues face a tough start to the campaign. Their debut comes on September 17, away against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round.
Chelsea’s full league-stage schedule also includes clashes with Benfica (home), Ajax (home), Qarabag (away), Barcelona (home), Atalanta (away), Pafos (home), and Napoli (away).