Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been dealt an injury setback, ruling him out of his first Champions League appearance at Anfield and potentially sidelining him until the international break.
Ahead of the Liverpool vs. Bologna clash, Chiesa and Diogo Jota were both absent from training, prompting an injury update from manager Arne Slot.
While Jota’s scan revealed no major concerns, Chiesa’s situation appears more worrying.
The Italian forward has suffered a muscular issue, ruling him out of Wednesday’s game against Bologna and leaving him doubtful for the weekend trip to Crystal Palace.
Slot provided the update ahead of the match against Bologna, as reported by The Independent:
“Diogo missed two sessions after the game against Wolves. He took a knock but I am expecting him to be with us and available to play. Federico trained yesterday [Monday] and came in today with some problems and I am not expecting him to be available.
“It is a pity for us and even more for him, he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, especially against an Italian team but there will be many more. I am not expecting him to be out for a long time and we have to see if he will be able to be in the game on Saturday.”
Chiesa, who joined the club from Juventus in the summer transfer window, has made only one start for the Reds this season and it came against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.
The Italian has not had the opportunity to make a huge impact so far with Slot giving him a substitute role at the club.
Competition in the attacking positions for Liverpool is extremely high with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah both cementing their place in the starting line up in the wide positions.
Liverpool star Federico Chiesa needs more playing time
Chiesa will have his chance to show his talent and perform but he would have to avoid injury issues.
His fitness concerns also made it difficult for him to perform at his previous club Juventus and that was one of the fears when the Merseyside club were signing him.
The Italian is likely to return after the international break which means he is going to miss the Bologna match and the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.