Arne Slot Sheds Light on Federico Chiesa Full Debut as Major Injury Update Confirmed
Arne Slot has provided insights on whether Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s new acquisition, will start in the Carabao Cup opener against West Ham United.
Chiesa made his first appearance for Liverpool as a substitute during their 3-0 victory over Bournemouth last weekend. This followed his permanent transfer from Juventus.
The 26-year-old winger, who was part of Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, was deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus after Thiago Motta took over as manager.
Last season, Chiesa scored nine goals and contributed two assists in 33 Serie A matches, which earned him a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, where he started three of their four matches.
Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League, having won four of their five matches, and will begin their Carabao Cup defense on Wednesday night.
Although the Carabao Cup is structured to favour teams competing in European competitions, Arne Slot faces a challenging match against West Ham.
Slot has confirmed that while Chiesa may not play the full 90 minutes, he is being considered for a starting role in the upcoming fixture.
“I don’t think he’s able to play 90 minutes,” Slot said via The Echo.
“He only played 25 now as a maximum in the last three or four months.
“I don’t think he played any friendlies at Juventus as well but he’s able to start in our opinion so let’s see. There are many options we have.
“He’s able to start in our opinion but I don’t think he is able to play 90 at the level we are playing tomorrow against a strong West Ham team,” he added.
Slot also provided an update on Allison’s fitness after she missed the weekend’s match due to injury.
“It’s for sure Caoimh will be in goal tomorrow,” Slot said on Tuesday.
Although his top choice has been ruled out for the cup match, Slot remains hopeful that he will recover quickly and be ready by the weekend.
“Alisson is getting there but this game is coming a bit too early. We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves but it’s going to be tight so let’s see if he is going to be there,” he added.
In other Liverpool news, Three Liverpool Players Named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week
