Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has provided an update on the availability of Federico Chiesa ahead of the weekend Premier League clash with Tottenham.
The champions host a struggling Spurs side on Sunday afternoon, with failure to beat the north Londoners feeling disastrous in the Reds’ quest to seal Champions League qualification.
Liverpool lost 1-0 away to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as a disappointing season continues, and one player who wasn’t available was Chiesa, who missed out in Turkey due to illness.
Speaking ahead of the Spurs game, Slot said that the Italian is expected to be available for selection at Anfield after recovering from being under the weather:
“I expect he feels better now because he felt unwell the day before the game and I think we’re now three or four further ahead. So, I think he’s able to train with us today again.”
Discussing Alexander Isak’s recovery from a broken leg suffered late last year, Slot added: “With the rehab team still and not with the team yet.”
Will Federico Chiesa feature for Liverpool vs. Tottenham?
Having Chiesa back is a boost for Liverpool, even though he has always been little more than a peripheral figure under Slot since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024, arguably deserving more minutes at times.
The 28-year-old proved his worth earlier in the season, scoring a vital late goal at home to Bournemouth in the league, while Jamie Redknapp has also heaped praise in the past:
“I thought he was fabulous today; his energy, desire, it hasn’t gone well for him so far. He’s had a few moments and definitely lately you’ve seen signs that he is going back to that player we all knew he could be. But I think today he was just what they needed, as without him, they would have been in a bit of a hole. The two assists were exceptional.”
It would certainly be a surprise if Chiesa started for Liverpool against Spurs on Sunday, but having him as a substitute option is handy, especially amid Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo’s struggles for form.
