Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa is now “close” to making a return to Liverpool’s squad, following a slow start to life at Anfield.
The 27-year-old joined the Reds in a surprise move in the summer transfer window, at a time when few supporters felt that extra attacking players were needed.
Chiesa has struggled to make any kind of impression for Liverpool to date, not starting a single Premier League game and not playing at all since the 5-1 at home to West Ham in the EFL Cup back in September.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s crucial trip to Everton [via This Is Anfield], Slot confirmed that the Italian is nearing a return to the squad, along with Alisson and Diogo Jota, with his fitness being managed of late:
“Our main worry is, at this moment, if we look at how close they all are to playing, ” Slot said.
“There’s only three injuries left and that’s in our last line, with Diogo being close to being back, Federico being close and the same for Alisson.
“That means only Ibou, Conor, and Kostas are a bit further away from playing time.”
Our thoughts on Chiesa injury return to Liverpool…
With all due respect to Chiesa, it’s easy to forget that he is a Liverpool player, considering he has had such a limited impact so far.
The Italy international is still waiting to register a goal or an assist for Reds but the talent is there, with Alessandro Pierini saying of him back in 2021:
“He’s world-class. He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”
If Chiesa can get himself fully fit for Liverpool, he could be such an asset for them, having proven himself at a big club in Juventus, scoring 32 goals and registering 23 assists in 131 appearances.
He would take some of the pressure off Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side of the Reds’ attack, too, affording him a breather at times, not to mention being a great impact substitute.
