Arne Slot announced his first-ever Liverpool traveling squad for the UEFA Champions League, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead. Federico Chiesa has secured a spot among the 23 players making the journey to Italy. The 26-year-old has not yet made it into a matchday squad in the Premier League. However, with the allowance of 12 substitutes in the Champions League, that is set to change on Tuesday as they face AC Milan.
Federico Chiesa in Liverpool Squad to Face AC Milan
It was the final week of the summer transfer window last month when Federico Chiesa moved from Juventus to Liverpool for £10 million. This deal saw the 26-year-old become Slot’s only new player since Jurgen Klopp left the team at the end of last season. Giorgi Mamardashvili also signed for Liverpool, but the Georgian player was sent back to Valencia right away on loan.
Since helping Italy win Euro 2020 (in 2021), Federico Chiesa has been injured badly several times. His last competitive match before joining Anfield was Italy’s Euro 2024 knockout match versus Switzerland in July. Arne Slot said the 26-year-old is still not fully recovered to play for Liverpool yet. However, Slot has named Chiesa in his team for Tuesday’s Champions League game against AC Milan at the San Siro.
Arne Slot Could Give Chiesa Late Debut
Liverpool manager Slot said that Chiesa might be in line for his debut against Milan, though it seems more likely he will feature as a late substitute.
“He [Chiesa] is for the first time in our team selection,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference in Milan. “And since I said it’s the first time he’s in the selection, it would be a big surprise for him and for everyone if he would start tomorrow. So I don’t think you should expect that he starts, but he can make a few minutes for the first time tomorrow if we need him and that is something we will see.
“But don’t expect him to be there in the starting lineup. He’s been with Juve, training on his own for a long time, and now with us for a few weeks. He has had some training time, but it’s too early for him to play 90 minutes. Hopefully he can make his first minutes in the upcoming fixtures.”
Could Chiesa´s Injury Concerns Be a Setback?
Despite Chiesa’s recent struggles with fitness, Slot said that the 26-year-old can still make a significant impact at Liverpool once he regains full fitness.
“I always like to bring in quality players, and I think that he is a quality player that combines quality with an enormous work rate,” Slot said. “The culture of this club and the culture of this team is working really hard when we don’t have the ball. And I think he brings this to his game in combination with scoring goals and the fact that he can play in several positions upfront.”
Get More Great Content:
Do you desire top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget> we cover Fantasy Sports too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
