Mohamed Salah's potential month-long absence would have once sounded like a nightmare for Liverpool, but one star can turn it into dreamland if he makes the most of his chance
Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa during a training session at AXA Training Centre.
Federico Chiesa could be primed to explode if Arne Slot uses him correctly amid Mohamed Salah's absence
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Every cloud has a silver lining, and Mohamed Salah's absence from the Liverpool line-up for what could be the next month is no exception. Not only that, but Liverpool stand to gain in the long term if one of Arne Slot's lesser-used stars properly grasps his opportunity.
It wasn't that long ago the thought of going a month without Salah was enough to send shivers down the spine at Anfield. But in light of the 33-year-old's explosive outburst at the club in light of being dropped for several games, a breather might be best for all involved.
And potentially none more so than Federico Chiesa, who has endured a rollercoaster 18 months since moving to Merseyside. The Italian has shone in parts and was named Liverpool's Player of the Month for September after some high-impact cameos but is still fighting for prominence under Slot.
That can undoubtedly change in the coming weeks, particularly if Salah's Egypt launch a deep run at the AFCON. A gruelling slate of Liverpool fixtures means rotation is inevitable, and a little trust from the manager could go a long way in aiding Chiesa's recognition.
Salah has wasted no time in re-establishing his heroic status in Morocco. Egypt were stunned early in their group opener against Zimbabwe, only to cap a 2-1 turnaround where none other than Salah converted the injury-time decider.
That result keeps one of the pre-tournament favourites in the running to top their pool as they eye continental silverware. And Chiesa may harbour private hopes his team-mate remains indisposed as long as possible if he's to maximise his opportunity.
The former Juventus man is still awaiting his first league start of the season, something that could change in Saturday's home clash against Wolves. One would forgive Slot changing too much just after Liverpool appear to have rediscovered their rhythm and won three in a row, having most recently beaten nine-man Tottenham 2-1 in their first game without Salah.
One downside from that result was Alexander Isak suffering a fractured leg that's expected to keep him out for several months. Again, however, Chiesa is on standby to offer some very welcome aid just when the attack is crying out for it.
It's a fitting contrast that while Salah's recent omission from Slot's squad led to a fiery response, Chiesa was calmer under similar conditions. When the managed was faced with a tough decision in prioritising defensive cover over another attacker for his Champions League squad, he opted for the former.
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool looks on from the bench during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest
Chiesa understandably "wasn't happy" with being left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad
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But rather than throw his toys out of the proverbial pram, Chiesa got to work in proving he would be of value. The Euro 2024 winner even turned down an Italy call-up in November because he "didn't feel 100 per cent," something that's perhaps due to the notion he has something to prove for his club.
Slot detailed Chiesa's "unhappy" response to being left out of this season's European selection, at least for the time being. And his answer pointed to a player patiently awaiting the kind of chance that has may have now presented itself.
"Of course that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager," he said in September. "For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult.
"I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course he wasn’t happy with that. I think he understood my arguments - that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven
The Italian is still waiting on his first Premier League start this season
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In some ways, one can see how Chiesa might be considered more of a Jurgen Klopp signing that one set up to thrive with Slot in charge. Some of the forward's best moments in red have been fashioned out of chaos, whereas Slot's preference for control and possession tactics maybe doesn't suit his strengths quite as well.
His go-ahead goal to give Liverpool the lead in their season-opener against Bournemouth, for example, was a spark of brilliance under immense pressure. He's also showed dogged fight with key influences in equalising against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, as well as setting up both goals in a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Southampton, yet is still absent from the XI.
As has been noted, there's also no doubting the £12million signing's work ethic. No other Liverpool attacker works harder contributing in defence when needed, as was evidenced by his goal-line clearance in the recent 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
All that to say Chiesa has already shown enough to warrant a greater share of the spotlight during a particularly testing part of the campaign. And Liverpool's current absences in attack could be the justification he finally requires to earn a step up in Slot's plans.
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