Liverpool’s 2026/27 Premier League campaign is finally underway, with the Reds travelling to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United in their opening fixture of the new season.
The match marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Andoni Iraola, while there is also plenty of attention surrounding Alexander Isak’s return to his former club following his move to Liverpool last summer.
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However, one notable absence from Liverpool’s squad for the trip to Tyneside is Federico Chiesa.
The Italian forward had been a doubt heading into the opening weekend after missing a training session earlier in the week, with his absence subsequently prompting some speculation regarding his future at Anfield.
There had been suggestions that Chiesa’s omission could potentially be linked to transfer interest, particularly given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his position in Iraola’s squad.
The reason for his absence has now been clarified.
According to This Is Anfield’s Jack Lusby, Chiesa is missing the Newcastle game due to a fitness issue which saw him sit out training during the week.
This means his omission is not understood to be connected to any potential transfer, with the 28-year-old instead unavailable as Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign.
Chiesa’s absence comes after he featured for 45 minutes in Liverpool’s final pre-season outing against Como, having also scored during the Reds’ tour of the United States.
There is also a change involving Harvey Elliott, although his situation is different.
Lusby has confirmed that Elliott has simply not been selected for the matchday squad, rather than missing out through injury.
Instead, Lewis Koumas has been preferred and makes his first Liverpool matchday squad appearance since March 2024.
The youngster has impressed during pre-season and has increasingly emerged as an option for Iraola, with his inclusion providing another attacking option for Liverpool.
For Chiesa, meanwhile, Liverpool will now hope that his fitness issue is only a short-term concern as the new Premier League season gets underway.
🔴 Update: Federico Chiesa misses out today with a fitness issue which saw him sit out training in the week.
Harvey Elliott is simply not selected. Lewis Koumas preferred; makes squad for first time since March 2024.
I’d fully expect Elliott to leave #LFC.
— Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) August 23, 2026