Federico Chiesa remained on the bench for Liverpool in their 3-3 draw against Leeds United at the weekend.
The Italian has played a combined four minutes in the last two Premier League games. This has been the case despite Mohamed Salah’s exclusion from the first-team.
The Egyptian gave a controversial interview after the game on Sunday. This has received widespread attention, and in Italy it’s believed it can now impact Chiesa’s Liverpool future.
Tuttomercatoweb report that in ‘recent days’, AS Roma and Napoli have made enquiries for the 28-year-old winger. The two clubs are interested in a loan deal for Chiesa, with Roma currently a little ahead.
The outlet claims that Salah’s situation can now keep the Italy international back at Liverpool.
If the club legend stays at Anfield and doesn’t feature often, Chiesa can be more involved in the next few weeks. This will make sure that Roma and Napoli miss out on the former Juventus star.
In the event of Salah’s possible departure, Chiesa’s importance at Liverpool would grow.
This is perhaps why there is a lack of clarity at the Merseyside club about their stance over the Italian.
So far this season, Chiesa has rejected call-ups to the Azzurri side. He would be desperate to play at the World Cup next year and that is why his future can hinge on the next few weeks.