Liverpool have a threadbare squad going into their FA Cup meeting with Barnsley on Monday evening.
Alexander Isak is a long-term absentee and is not expected to return until March following his injury against Tottenham.
Mohamed Salah is still away at the AFCON and is in action for Egypt on Saturday, January 10.
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Hugo Ekitike has missed Liverpool’s last two matches with an injury, and given he’s the only available number nine right now, it’s unlikely Arne Slot will want to rush him back for a meeting with a League One team.
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Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
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Florian Wirtz has been playing with an issue as well, and again, it is unlikely he will be risked, at least as a starter, for this tie.
In turn, we could see the Liverpool manager hand a rare start to Federico Chiesa on Monday.
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He did play in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers late last year, but in recent matches, right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been used on the wing ahead of him.
As expected, given how few minutes (228 in the Premier League) the attacker has been given this term, there is a lot of talk about Chiesa leaving Liverpool in January.
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Federico Chiesa rumour Liverpool to Juventus
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Juventus are interested in their former star, with it suggested the player has been in contact with some of his ex-teammates in Turin.
For Liverpool’s part, they are willing to let Chiesa go, but only after Salah confirms he is remaining at the club for the rest of 2025/26.
The Egyptian will return to Anfield, at the latest, following the AFCON final on January 18.
As a result, there are very limited matches left (Barnsley and Burnley) before Chiesa’s exit could be sanctioned.
It seems very unlikely that the 28-year-old will have any real involvement against the Clarets despite all the injury problems, as it’s obvious Slot isn’t a huge fan.
But the upcoming weak opposition, coupled with a lot of Liverpool’s attackers either being absent or nursing injuries, means we will likely see Chiesa in the eleven for one final time against Barnsley.
Liverpool could replace Federico Chiesa in 2026
While losing Chiesa, who has previously been called ‘exceptional’, is a blow, Liverpool may have been handed a boost when it comes to a potential replacement.
Yan Diomande has commented on the Reds this week after links to Anfield, saying he would like to play for the club.
Like Chiesa, Diomande is a versatile winger who has enjoyed success on both flanks.
A deal would not come cheap, however, with a potential £88m-plus price tag mooted for the RB Leipzig starlet.
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