close
close

Why Federico Chiesa is not in Liverpool squad against Tottenham – Liverpool FC

Why Federico Chiesa is not in Liverpool squad against Tottenham – Liverpool FC

Federico Chiesa not in squad for Liverpool Premier League match against Tottenhamalthough, fortunately, his absence is not due to a new injury.

After nearly three months without an appearance, Chiesa returned to action 45 minutes off the bench against Southampton Wednesday.

However, to the surprise of some, he was not selected in Liverpool’s 20-man squad to face Tottenham.

Although fans’ instinct might be to suspect he’s injured again, the reporter David Lynch explained that this is not the case.

On Xthe journalist wrote that he was told it was “simply a selection decision.”

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday December 17, 2024: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Football League Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday December 17, 2024: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Football League Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With the six attackers available, Arne Slot opted for Diogo Jota And Darwin Nuñez offer striking options off the bench, with Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo And Luis Diaz selected to start.

Harvey Elliott And Trey Nyoni are the other two players Chiesa could have been competing with for a spot on the team.

The fact that he chose the 17-year-old in his “final” substitute spot is testament to Slot’s confidence in Nyoni.

Arne Slot’s verdict on Chiesa’s half against Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday December 17, 2024: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Football League Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday December 17, 2024: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Football League Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While Chiesa offered moments of brilliant technical quality against Southampton by midweek he was not on the same physical level as Liverpool’s first-choice striker.

Slot was not concerned by this, however, saying: “If a player is out for five or six months, you can’t expect him to be at his best straight away.

“I’ve seen ups and downs. I’ve seen some really good moments and I’ve seen some moments where I’m like, “OK, you can do better than that.”

“For me it’s completely normal that a player has been out for so long and is probably playing his first game in five or six months.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday November 26, 2024: Mohamed Salah (L) of Liverpool and Federico Chiesa during a training session at the AXA training center ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF . (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday November 26, 2024: Mohamed Salah (L) of Liverpool and Federico Chiesa during a training session at the AXA training center ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF . (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Slot then explained how it can be “difficult” for a player like Chiesa to regain his full sharpness during a competitive campaign.

The Dutchman said: “I’ve said it before, it makes it very difficult for me because normally in a pre-season a player plays three, four or five games, mostly.

“And then he’s only had four or five weeks now, he’s been out for so long, so getting him back to his best isn’t easy but it was good to see he’s already shown some quality Today.”