The squad, confirmed on 4 September, includes all 13 of Leverkusen's summer signings. However, Hofmann is among the notable omissions, alongside Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Belocian, who are both still recovering from long-term injuries, and young striker Alejo Sarco.

Hofmann, 33, joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2023 for around ten million euros and contributed seven goals and nine assists in his debut season. He played a key part in Leverkusen's 2023/24 Bundesliga title win but struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso last year and has not regained prominence in the squad. His absence from the Champions League list has sparked fresh speculation about his long-term future at the BayArena.

Leverkusen, who parted ways with Erik ten Hag earlier this week, are currently without a permanent head coach. The squad was finalised by the club's technical staff as the search for a new manager continues.

A club statement said: “We had to make difficult decisions in order to comply with UEFA regulations. Jonas remains a valuable member of the squad, but competition for places is very high after the arrivals this summer."

Robert Andrich has been named captain for the European campaign, leading a group that blends experience with youth. Notable new inclusions are Argentine playmaker Claudio Echeverri, on loan from Manchester City, midfielder Aleix Garcia, and striker Victor Boniface, who is expected to lead the attack.

Leverkusen begin their Champions League campaign away to FC Copenhagen on 18 September, aiming to build on their historic 2023/24 Bundesliga triumph while navigating a new era without a head coach in place.

Leverkusen's Champions League Squad 2025/26 (List A):

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (NED), Janis Blaswich (GER), Niklas Lomb (GER)

Defenders: Jarell Quansah (ENG), Loic Bade (FRA), Edmond Tapsoba (BFA), Arthur (BRA), Axel Tape (FRA), Alex Grimaldo (ESP), Lucas Vazquez (ESP), Andrea Natali (ITA)

Midfielders: Robert Andrich (GER, Captain), Claudio Echeverri (ARG, loan), Malik Tillman (USA), Nathan Tella (NGA), Aleix Garcia (ESP), Exequiel Palacios (ARG), Jeremiah Mensah (GER), Ibrahim Maza (ALG), Eliesse Ben Seghir (MAR)

Forwards: Patrik Schick (CZE), Farid Alfa-Ruprecht (GER), Ernest Poku (NED), Victor Boniface (NGA), Christian Kofane (CMR)

Jonas Hofmann omitted as Bayer Leverkusen name Champions League squad