Wetin Happen
Arsenal and Barcelona have announced their squads for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase, with both clubs making some notable inclusions and omissions ahead of the competition’s kickoff this month.
For Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta has handed 15-year-old Max Dowman a surprise spot in the A-list Champions League squad, highlighting the teenager’s rapid rise through the academy ranks. However, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus misses out as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
New arrivals Viktor Gyökeres, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapié, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi are all included, reflecting Arsenal’s busy summer transfer window. Rising stars Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly do not need to be registered on the main list as they qualify for UEFA’s B-list, reserved for players under 21 who have been with the club for at least two years.
Arsenal Champions League Squad (A-list)
Goalkeepers: Raya, Kepa, Setford
Defenders: Saliba, Mosquera, White, Hincapié, Gabriel, Timber, Calafiori
Midfielders: Ødegaard, Eze, Nørgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Merino, Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice, Dowman
Forwards: Saka, Martinelli, Gyökeres
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s squad announcement carries its own intrigue. Coach Hansi Flick has included captain Marc-André ter Stegen despite the German goalkeeper being sidelined until at least January following back surgery.
His ongoing situation has been a source of tension between the club and La Liga, after disciplinary proceedings were opened when he refused to submit medical reports. A settlement was eventually reached, freeing up salary space to register Joan Garcia.
Another interesting inclusion is Roony Bardghji, who was not registered with La Liga before the September 1 deadline as the club initially classified him as a Barça Atletic player. The board is expected to finalise his full registration in the coming days.
Barcelona’s Champions League list features a blend of youth and experience, with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi joined by established stars Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona Champions League Squad (A-list)
Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Szczesny
Defenders: Kounde, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Balde, Christensen
Midfielders: Casado, Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, Bernal, Fermin Lopez
Forwards: Olmo, Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Rashford, Ferran Torres, Bardghji
The post Arsenal, Barcelona Confirm Champions League Squads For 2025/26 Season appeared first on Naija News.
