Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has provided an important update on one player’s fitness and an in-depth explanation for his absence.
The Reds are having to make do without plenty of important figures currently, with Alisson and Harvey Elliott long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota has been ruled out of the Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday night, while Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa also haven’t travelled to Germany.
Speaking to the media [via This Is Anfield] about Chiesa’s current absence, Slot admitted that a lack of a pre-season is playing a big part in him not featuring, making the situation clearer:
“With Federico, although it is a bit more difficult, it is a bit more simple to explain. He missed a complete pre-season, I’ve said this many times And going to a league where the intensity may be higher than the Italian league, that makes it difficult for him to make the step towards the intensity levels the rest of the team is at.
“That has not so much to do with the Italian league or Premier League but has more to do with him missing a complete pre-season. Then it is so difficult for every player to, when the games are constantly there, to build them up towards the levels we are at. So, difficult to say, but it is a big disappointment for him that he is going in and out of the training sessions all of the time.
“Feel sorry for him, but he’s signed a long-term contract so we will see what he brings for us. But at the moment, unfortunately for him, he’s been with us one or two times in team selection and not more than that.”
Our thoughts on Chiesa’s absence for Liverpool…
When Chiesa joined Liverpool in a surprise move from Juventus in the summer transfer window, there were immediate concerns about the Italian’s fitness.
While clearly a superb attacking player when in full flow, the 26-year-old has not been without injury problems down the years, including suffering ACL damage.
Slot’s comments do suggest that Chiesa is being managed carefully more than anything, however, rather than there being fears about injuries moving forward.
For that reason, Liverpool supporters may have to be patient with him, accepting that he is unlikely to feature much in the coming weeks.
