Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa is a doubt to face Bournemouth in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium.
The Italian striker looked unlikely to feature after missing Liverpool’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Olympique Marseille in the Champions League in midweek.
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Chiesa was initially named as a substitute for the match in France, but was withdrawn late and did not make the matchday squad.
There were reports that he had suffered a knock during warm-ups. But Slot later clarified things, explaining that the problem occurred in training the day before the match.
Chiesa still traveled with the Liverpool squad to Marseille for treatment in the hope of recovering from the knock in time to play against the French giants.
While he couldn’t break in, he may not be out for long.
When asked about Chiesa’s setback, Slot admitted it was still unclear whether he would be ready in time to face Bournemouth, but stressed that the injury is not expected to keep him out for long.
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“Federico couldn’t be on the bench on Wednesday,” Slot said in the pre-match press conference.
“There was a recovery session yesterday, so we have to wait and see today. It’s difficult for me to say if he is available for Bournemouth.
“We don’t expect him to be out for long, so it would be 50/50 maybe if he’s available.”
Chiesa has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Liverpool, but the Italian has always wanted to prove himself in the Premier League.
He has barely had a chance to compete for a first-team place, starting in just one of his 16 Premier League appearances this season.
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The 28-year-old has appeared 22 times in all competitions, returning two goals and three assists.
His absence may not make much of a difference at the Vitality Stadium, where Liverpool will look to preserve their 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions.