Federico Chiesa has been dropped from the Italy squad ahead of their World Cup play-off.
The winger picked up a knock during a brief cameo in Liverpool’s sickening loss to Brighton.
Chiesa jetted off to Italy after the weekend’s action, but was deemed unfit to play a part in their pivotal upcoming fixtures.
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Virgil van Dijk pictured in action during the Netherlands' UEFA Nations League match against Hungary (Credit: Getty Images/Photo by Andre Weening/BSR Agency).
Alisson Becker pictured during Brazil's Copa America match against Costa Rica (Getty Images/PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP).
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for France during their FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine (Credit: Getty Images/Franco Arland).
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring during Argentina's FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Brazil (Credit: Getty Images/Marcelo Endelli).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andre Weening/BSR Agency/Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Franco Arland/Marcelo Endelli
Following the news, the Italian FA released a statement outlining the reason for his omission — a decision taken in cooperation with Liverpool.
Why Federico Chiesa has been left out of Italy squad for World Cup play-offs
Chiesa has struggled with fitness for pretty much his entire career. There’s an argument to be made that he would have a larger role under Arne Slot if not for the recurring injury problems that have prevented him from fully finding his feet at Liverpool.
He is again being plagued by injury problems, as the FIGC explained on Monday morning.
They released a statement saying: “Federico Chiesa, after his physical condition was assessed upon arrival at the federal technical centre, has been deemed unavailable for the next two matches and, in agreement with his club, has left the national team training camp.”
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So it’s back to Merseyside for the 28-year-old, who will be devastated with the news. He would have wanted to contribute to Italy’s World Cup qualification efforts. He will be replaced by Bologna forward Nicolo Cambiaghi.
Federico Chiesa winning the EUROs with Italy
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Chiesa injury a blow for Liverpool
It’s also a potential issue for Slot. Liverpool have been hit with an injury crisis at the top of the pitch, with Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike joining Alexander Isak on the injury list after the weekend.
Chiesa could have been in line for more minutes as a result, but that would have been dependent on him getting some bit of a run during the international break.
If this issue stretches out for a couple of weeks, it’s reasonable to think Chiesa’s best times in a Liverpool shirt are behind him.
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