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 . 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 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 . The former Juventus star missed the first cut and only
Federico Chiesa has been the subject of interest from former club Juventus (Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
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.
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is seen during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield (Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
"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.”
While Chiesa has persistently been linked away from , this month and lost summer, the attacker has previously embraced the competition at the club.
“I play for a top club, maybe one of the top three in the world." he said. "It’s Liverpool and the competition is high.
“If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition, I want to play here and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player.”