Federico Chiesa has been kept on the fringes of Arne Slot’s squad for much of Liverpool’s 2025/26 season.
Slot’s treatment of Federico Chiesa has not gone down too well with many supporters so far this term.
The Italian has scored two and provided three assists this season, featuring 17 times but notching just 392 minutes of action.
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Even with Mohamed Salah at the AFCON, the right winger had a reduced role in the recent 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Slot has now commented on how Chiesa could be used in a new role going forward.
Federico Chiesa could play instead of Hugo Ekitike
Speaking before Liverpool take on Wolves, the Dutchman was speaking about Hugo Ekitike and the importance of the Frenchman helping out defensively.
When doing so, he mentioned how, with Alexander Isak injured, he could also use Chiesa up front.
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As per BBC Sport, he said: “I’ve tried to convince him [Ekitike] the better you defend a set-piece the bigger chance you have to score at the other end, because if you are 0-0 it is easier to score a goal than if you are 1-0 down,” Slot said.
“It may sound strange but it is what it does with the energy levels of the other team. For us and him to score goals, it is important we don’t concede from set-pieces.
“He is ready to go into the programme we are facing now but he is not the only number nine I have [with Isak injured]. Federico Chiesa can play in that position as well.”
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How long is Alexander Isak injured for?
From the Wolves clash on December 27 to the end of January, Liverpool will play 10 games across all competitions.
Such a hectic run of fixtures will require rotation in the squad, especially if more injuries are picked up.
However, one injury analyst has said Isak could be out for 2-3 months, meaning the Swede will play no part in that run.
As a result, it seems pretty certain that Chiesa will be given a rare start in at least one or two games over the next month.
Whether that is against a weak Wolves team on Saturday remains to be seen, but the FA Cup clash with Barnsley on January 12 looks to be the perfect game for him to start.
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