Latest Liverpool transfer news as Federico Chiesa's record is set straight by Arne Slot ahead of his return to action
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa is close to a Liverpool return(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool are set to welcome Federico Chiesa back to their matchday squad in the next seven days in what could be a huge boost to their Premier League title chances.
Chiesa's start to life in England has been a frustrating one. Since his £12millon move from Juventus, the Italy international has made just one start and three appearances in total, with the most recent of those coming at the end of September.
Fitness issues and illness have delayed his return to action for Arne Slot's men. However, with the title race heating up with Chelsea and Arsenal keeping the pressure on, Liverpool could finally be about to welcome the return of Chiesa.
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Recently, the 27-year-old has been linked with a move back to Serie A. AC Milan and former side Fiorentina are said to be interested in a loan move when the January transfer window opens.
However, after returning to full training with Diogo Jota, Chiesa is in contention to feature against Fulham on Saturday afternoon or, if not, the EFL Cup quarter-final showdown with Southampton on Wednesday.
"I think they are," Slot said when asked if both attackers will be available. "We have one training session to go."
"Federico missed quite a lot for a long time, and was ill last week, so we have to wait and see how he's exactly doing. But maybe Diogo is in the squad - and maybe Federico as well, but it depends on the numbers we have and how he's recovered from his illness."
Slot continued: "What makes it difficult is we play so many games. What he needs is playing time, and the problem is if 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 exactly know what I can expect.
Federico Chiesa could return to the Liverpool side soon
"Yes, I see him on the training ground, but ideally you see him in a friendly during the week or in an under-21s game. But that’s not the situation we have as we play so many games.
"Maybe the Southampton game night be a good moment for him to get some playing minutes and then we will know a bit better what to expect from him. Of course, we see and know his qualities, but he needs to get his fitness levels. If you only have training sessions, that is not the same as playing time.
"But when you are competing for the league and you are in the Champions League it’s not always easy to find these minutes unless we are sometimes 4-0 or 5-0 up.
"But I think for the whole season it was only once (that we were in that position), when we were 3-0 up at home to Bournemouth. The rest has been a struggle or a fight until the last second of every game."