Liverpool are preparing for a challenging trip to Crystal Palace this Saturday, but they may have to do so without one of their key summer signings, Federico Chiesa.
As the Reds head to London for the Premier League’s early kick-off, the absence of the Italian winger could impact their game plan as they look to maintain their impressive form under new manager Arne Slot.
Slot, who took over following Jurgen Klopp’s departure last season, has made an immediate impact at Anfield.
The Dutchman’s smooth transition into the role has seen Liverpool rise to the top of the Premier League table with 15 points from five games. Under his leadership, Liverpool has not only continued to play attacking, high-tempo football, but they have also remained unbeaten in their opening fixtures.
Slot will be hoping to extend this winning streak when his team faces Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, but the potential absence of Chiesa looms large. Federico Chiesa, who joined Liverpool this summer after a £12.5 million move from Juventus, is a major doubt for the upcoming clash due to injury concerns.
Slot confirmed in a recent press conference that the 26-year-old Italian has not trained in the days leading up to the match, casting significant doubt on his availability.
He hasn’t trained the last few days. Still a doubt to face Crystal Palace,” Slot revealed to Hayters TV reporter Nazira Yusuf, suggesting that Chiesa’s absence is more than likely.
Chiesa’s injury is a cause for concern, especially for Liverpool fans who were aware of the risks involved in signing him.
His history with injuries, particularly a severe ACL tear that kept him out of action for nearly a year while at Juventus, made his move to Anfield something of a gamble.
While Chiesa’s talent and potential are undeniable, his fitness has always been a question mark. The news that he could miss Saturday’s match is bound to worry fans who were eager to see him establish himself as a key player in Slot’s setup.
Despite these concerns, Liverpool took the gamble on Chiesa, banking on his ability to overcome his injury woes and provide the team with a fresh attacking option. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal, Chiesa was expected to inject a new level of dynamism into Liverpool’s already potent front line.
However, his latest setback means that Slot will have to make adjustments to his lineup, potentially relying on other forwards like Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, or Darwin Núñez to fill the void.
Slot’s decision to exclude Chiesa from the matchday squad against Crystal Palace is seen as a precautionary measure, with hopes that the Italian can recover in time to feature against Chelsea after the upcoming international break.
Slot and the medical team are understandably cautious about rushing Chiesa back too soon, particularly given his history of long-term injuries.
With the season still in its early stages, Slot is likely to take a measured approach, prioritizing Chiesa’s long-term fitness over short-term gains.
For Liverpool, the immediate focus will be on navigating the challenge posed by Crystal Palace without one of their star signings. Palace, under the management of Oliver Glasner, have proven to be a difficult opponent, especially at home.
Selhurst Park is known for its intense atmosphere, and Glasner’s side has shown resilience in their early-season performances. The Eagles will be eager to test Liverpool’s unbeaten record and will look to exploit any weaknesses in Slot’s side, particularly if Chiesa is absent.
The absence of Chiesa, while a setback, should not derail Liverpool’s ambitions for the match. Slot has plenty of attacking depth at his disposal, with players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Núñez all capable of making decisive contributions.
The challenge for Slot will be to maintain the team’s fluidity and attacking threat, even without Chiesa’s unique qualities on the wing.
As Liverpool prepare for the international break, all eyes will be on Chiesa’s recovery. The hope within the club is that he will be fit and ready to return for the high-stakes encounter against Chelsea, a match that could have significant implications for Liverpool’s title ambitions.
Chiesa’s return would undoubtedly provide a boost, but for now, Slot must focus on getting the best out of the players available to him. Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace may serve as a test of their depth and resilience, but with Slot at the helm, confidence remains high that the team can continue their strong start to the season.
The absence of Chiesa is a blow, but it is also an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth as the Reds aim to secure another vital three points.
