Liverpool boss Arne Slot plans to give Federico Chiesa some much-needed game time in the coming weeks as the Italian prepares for his return to the first team.
Chiesa joined the Reds from Juventus in the summer for around £12.5million but has struggled with injuries and fitness issues. He has had to play for the Under-21s in recent times to build up his minutes, but now finally looks ready to feature for the first team.
Earlier this month, Chiesa played 60 minutes for the Under-21s and scored against Nordsjaelland as he continued his recovery – and Slot is now preparing to integrate the winger back into his first team after a challenging start to his Reds career.
There was speculation that Chiesa would immediately return to Italy in January, with AC Milan and Fiorentina reportedly interested in bringing him back on loan. But Slot confirmed this week that the winger would play against Fulham on Saturday or against Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals next week, alongside the returning Diogo Jota.
“Federico has missed quite a lot for a long time and was ill last week, so we have to wait and see how exactly he is doing,” said the Dutchman.
“What makes it difficult is that we play so many games. What he needs is playing time, and the problem is that when you haven't played for five or six months, it is sometimes difficult for a manager to give him his first minutes, because you don't.” I don't know exactly what to expect.”
Chiesa has played just 18 minutes in the Premier League this season and played just 59 minutes in Liverpool's 5-1 win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup all the way back in September.
That was the last time he played for the first team and Slot said the Under-21 minutes were probably not enough to judge him. However, he revealed that Liverpool's cup tie against the Saints could be the perfect opportunity to bring Chiesa back into the ranks.
He added: “Maybe the Southampton match night will be a good time for him to get some playing time and then we will know a little better what to expect from him. Of course we see and know his qualities, but he has to achieve his qualities. ” If you only have practices, that's not the same as playing time.”
Chiesa's return comes at the perfect time, with Liverpool facing the battle for silverware on multiple fronts. They currently sit at the top of the Champions League table and are four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
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