Federico Chiesa of Liverpool warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League
Federico Chiesa was ruled out in Liverpool's warm up
Federico Chiesa picked up an injury just minutes before Liverpool's clash against Marseille. The Italian was named on the bench by Arne Slot but is no longer available for the Dutchman to utilise in France.
Chiesa picked up an injury during the final preparations for the match, as the squad warmed up ahead of kick-off at Stade Vlodrome. It means Slot only has Cody Gakpo and youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni as attacking options to call upon from his substitutes.
The Dutch boss only has eight players to choose from on his bench, which was already outnumbered by Roberto De Zerbi's options. The Italian coach has 12 players to call upon, including former stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Angel Gomes and Matt O'Riley.
Slot received the boost of returning to the fold for the match after his spell at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old saw his Egypt side fall at the semi-finals stage as former Liverpool star Sadio Mane inspired his side to victory and the eventual tournament win.
Chiesa was not originally named in Liverpool's Champions League squad for the season. The former Juventus star missed the first cut and only earned a place when he replaced the injured Giovanni Leoni.
Federico Chiesa has been the subject of interest from former club Juventus (Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
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The significance of Leoni's ACL injury ensured the Reds were permitted to make the adjustment to their squad. Ngumoha was initially chosen ahead of Chiesa.
The Italy international showed an admirable attitude to that initial decision.
Chiesa said: “He told me what he was thinking and why he chose to do what he did. Of course I was sorry that I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream.
"I just said to the coach ‘okay — no problem. I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.’ I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing.”