Chiesa in line make his first start for Liverpool in EFL clash

Following a brief cameo against AC Milan in the Champions League, and then a 20-minute feature off the bench against Bournemouth in the Premier League last Saturday, Federico Chiesa is in line to make his Liverpool debut from kick-off in the Carabao Cup game against West Ham. 

Manger Arne Slot spoke on the new signing ahead of the Wednesday EFL Cup clash, issuing a fitness update on the 26-year-old, following a season of continuous injuries with Juventus. “I don’t think he’s able to play 90 minutes. He’s only played 25, as a maximum, in the last four or five months,” Slot told reporters. “I don’t think he even played friendlies for Juventus but he is able to start in our opinion and if he will, let’s see".

While Slot emphasises the need to manage Chiesa's minutes, he does not rule out his chances of being included in the starting XI. "We have many options but he is able to start. But he won’t be able to play 90 minutes against a strong West Ham team in this game," he revealed. 

Chances could be in Chiesa's favour, as reports suggest the Dutch boss could look to incorporate heavy rotation against the Hammers, given that Liverpool face Wolves in the Premier League just three days later. 

 

September 24, 2024