As Liverpool prepare for their upcoming EFL Cup match against Southampton, all eyes are on Federico Chiesa, who is set to make his long-awaited return to action after an extended absence due to injury and illness. The Italian winger has been sidelined since September, having logged just 78 minutes across three appearances since his transfer from Juventus. However, recent updates suggest that he is nearing full fitness and could play a crucial role in the team’s attacking lineup.
Chiesa’s journey back to fitness has been closely monitored by head coach Arne Slot. In his latest comments, Slot acknowledged the challenges of reintegrating a player who has been out of competitive action for five to six months. “This is certainly an opportunity for him to gain some minutes, although the exact amount remains uncertain,” Slot stated. He emphasized that it would be unrealistic to expect Chiesa to play a full 90 minutes right away, given the high intensity of Premier League football.
The manager’s comments highlighted the need for careful management of Chiesa’s playing time as he works to regain his sharpness. “If he has a productive training session, he will see some playing time,” Slot noted, indicating that Chiesa’s involvement in the upcoming matches will depend on his performance in training leading up to game day.
With Liverpool facing a packed schedule, including a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton, Slot is keen to balance the squad’s fitness levels while maximizing available talent.
Chiesa’s versatility as an attacker makes him a valuable asset for Liverpool. He can operate as a central striker, second forward, or even out wide, providing tactical flexibility that Slot can exploit in various match situations. His ability to create chances and contribute goals will be vital as Liverpool looks to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table and advance in cup competitions.
