Juventus defender Lichtsteiner frustrated after Champions League squad exclusion

Bengaluru, September 3: Italian Serie A champions Juventus have submitted their lineup for this season's Champions league with coach Massimiliano Allegri hoping for an another succesful campaign.

As per the rules, all the teams are allowed to submit 25 players for the competition out of which three players have to be goalkeepers.

The recent list includes all the top players from the club, however, an unexpected exclusion from the squad was Switzerland International Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The Veteran full back was omitted from the squad along with midfielder Marko Pjaca and the isolation has shocked many fans.

After the omission, the defender vented his disappointment through social media and suggested that he will now fight for his place more than ever.

“Exclusion from the Champions list? A tough hit and a great disappointment,” he said.

“So is life – the important thing is not how often it falls, but how many times is the strength to get up, roll up the sleeves, and continue to fight without ever letting go.

“Now more than ever I will continue to do my best to honor this jersey!”

Without Lichtsteiner, it's assumed that the new signings Mattia De Sciglio or Benedikt Howedes will work on his place in the right back position, however, this list is only valid until January as after the group stages are over, any team can again add players.

Juventus will start their Champions League campaign this season and will be fighting with Barcelona, Olympiakos and Sporting CP in the group stages.

Here's a list of Juventus squad in the Champions League:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Wojciech Szczesny, Carlo Pinsoglio.

Defenders: Mattia De Sciglio, Giorgio Chiellini, Medhi Benatia, Alex Sandro, Andrea Barzagli, Benedikt Howedes, Daniele Rugani.

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio, Blaise Matuidi, Kwadwo Asamoah, Stefano Sturaro, Rodrigo Bentancur.

Forwards: Juan Cuadrado, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa, Mario Mandzukic, Federico Bernardeschi.