Liverpool faces an exciting yet challenging trip to Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday night but will Federico Chiesa start? With the Merseyside derby postponed, manager Arne Slot has a unique opportunity to rethink his lineup.
The Reds are flying high in Europe, topping their group, but injuries and suspensions have added complexity to the selection puzzle.
Alexis Mac Allister’s one-match suspension rules him out for Girona, leaving Slot to explore alternatives in midfield.
Ryan Gravenberch has been a regular but appeared fatigued in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle last week. Could this be a chance for Wataru Endo to step up?
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The Japanese captain has had limited opportunities this season, but his defensive discipline could be valuable in this fixture.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott’s return from a foot injury presents another option. After a promising pre-season, Elliott’s progress stalled due to his injury.
Slot may see this as the perfect opportunity to reintegrate him, especially with his creative flair and versatility in midfield.
Can Federico Chiesa start for Liverpool against Girona
In defence, Liverpool’s options remain tight. Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, and Kostas Tsimikas are unavailable, leaving young Jarell Quansah to deputise at right-back.
Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are likely to anchor the centre-back positions, while an update on Alisson Becker’s availability is expected soon.
Up front, Luis Díaz may once again lead the line as a false nine. The Colombian excelled in this role during the 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick. His pace and movement could prove decisive against Girona.
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But what about Federico Chiesa? The Italian forward has struggled with fitness since joining from Juventus in August, playing just 77 minutes so far.
While he’s unlikely to start, Chiesa’s involvement could grow in the coming weeks. Liverpool see him as a long-term project, but in the short term, his ability to ease the burden on Mohamed Salah could be crucial.
With injuries piling up and a packed fixture list, Slot must carefully balance rest and rotation. The trip to Girona offers an opportunity for fringe players like Endo, Elliott, and Chiesa to prove their worth while keeping key stars fresh for Premier League action.
For Liverpool fans, this match isn’t just about maintaining their strong European form. It’s also a glimpse into the depth and adaptability of a squad striving for success on all fronts.
Vishal Bhawani
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.