Liverpool fans were left puzzled when Federico Chiesa’s name was missing from the squad list to face Galatasaray in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
The Italian forward has quickly become one of the Reds’ most important attacking outlets this season, which made his absence all the more noticeable.
Arne Slot addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference, explaining why Chiesa did not travel with the team and what it means for the coming fixtures.
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Chiesa’s setback and Slot’s explanation
Slot revealed that Chiesa picked up a minor injury during the weekend defeat to Crystal Palace.
“He got a little niggle, I think it is the word you use here in England, in the last game against Palace.” Slot told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“He tried it today, he was on the pitch in the beginning but he couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”
The Italian winger had been in fine form leading up to the Galatasaray tie.
He provided two assists in the 2-1 win over Southampton before scoring Liverpool’s only goal at Selhurst Park.
His energy and creativity have given Slot’s attack a new dimension, making his temporary absence a blow for the Reds.
Chiesa was recently added to Liverpool’s Champions League squad as a replacement for the injured Giovanni Leoni, underlining his growing importance in the squad.
Slot and his staff now hope that the issue is short-term, with the Chelsea fixture looming large on Saturday.
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