Huge Champions League rule change announced days before tournament kicks off

UEFA have implemented a last-minute alteration to European competition squad regulations just days before the Champions League commences, potentially benefitting overlooked Premier League stars. Europe's elite tournament gets underway next week with a record six English sides taking part in the Champions League.

The first matchweek highlights include Chelsea's trip to face Harry Kane and Bayern Munich, reigning Premier League champions and current table-toppers Liverpool welcoming Atletico Madrid, and Newcastle hosting Barcelona at St James' Park.

These clubs - alongside fellow Champions League participants Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, Europa League representatives Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, and Conference League entrants Crystal Palace - will now be permitted to modify their submitted squads during the group stage.

UEFA announced in a Thursday statement: "The Executive Committee approved an amendment to the 2025/26 UEFA men's club competitions' regulations to admit the temporary replacement of a maximum of one outfield player with long-term injury or illness during the league phase until matchday 6 included.

"The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure."

Matchday six represents the concluding fixture in the initial Conference League league phase, whilst the Champions League and Europa League contest matchday seven and eight of their league phases in the new year.

Chelsea could potentially replace injured Liam Delap in their Champions League squad with new signing Facundo Buononotte, following a hamstring injury that has sidelined the English striker.

Other big-name players to miss out on their side's Champions League squads were Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, Tottenham striker Mathys Tel and Arsenal marksman Gabriel Jesus, who himself is nursing an injury.

UEFA have also confirmed that Metropolitano Stadium, the home ground of Atletico Madrid, will host the 2027 Champions League final.

The occasion will mark its second hosting since 2019, when Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham in an all-Premier League showdown.

Meanwhile, the Women's Champions League final in the same year will be held at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.