Liverpool continued preparations for their Premier League opener against Newcastle United with another training session on Wednesday.
The Reds begin their campaign with a 4.30pm BST kick-off at St James’ Park on Sunday, which will also be Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game in charge.
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According to This Is Anfield’s Jack Lusby, Federico Chiesa was absent from training. Liverpool are open to selling the Italian for the right price, although there is no indication that his absence is linked to a potential transfer.
Chiesa has reportedly been linked with La Liga side Valencia. He joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024 and has made just nine starts since moving to Merseyside.
The 28-year-old racked up 14 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 title-winning season under Arne Slot before making 36 appearances last term.
However, with Liverpool pursuing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, Chiesa’s time at Anfield could be drawing to a close.
The addition of Barcola would push Chiesa further down the pecking order, with the Italian already behind Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha.
Despite his versatility and desire to adapt to new manager Andoni Iraola’s demands, Chiesa’s move to Liverpool simply has not worked out.
“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” said Chiesa following Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Sunderland last month.
“Maybe there have been too many fresh starts [for him]. But I don’t care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager.
Chisea continued, “Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is.
“The gaffer had his gameplans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here. And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool.”