Federico Chiesa will feature in Liverpool's EFL Cup quarter-final at Southampton tomorrow night.
The Italy international has struggled with injuries and a general lack of fitness since joining from Juventus in the summer, making just three appearances, the last of which came in the win over West Ham at Anfield on September 25.
He was an unused substitute in last week's 2-2 draw with Fulham but will feature for St Mary's.
Arne Slot's provides 🗣️ injury news about his team. pic.twitter.com/DL7WHgTUT4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17 2024
Reds coach Arne Slot said: “It's a moment where he can get minutes. The amount of minutes is the question. You can't expect him to play 90; Especially not at this level. He's five or six months now, so he's not at this level of high intensity. If you do a good workout, you'll get minutes.
“If he starts or comes in and plays in the second half, that's a decision we'll make.”
Diogo Jota will not start after missing training yesterday, while Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has hinted that he will play.
Liverpool's progress is normal;
Liverpool have a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but are still strong in all three competitions they are currently involved in.
Asked if he was surprised by Liverpool's impressive start, Slot said: “It's normal for Liverpool to fight for every trophy. I think it's about being in every cup for a long time.
“The club was in this (EFL Cup) competition last season. So, with the quality of competing for these three trophies, I'm not surprised that the fourth (FA Cup) will start in January.
“It's a challenge because there's a lot of competition with other teams here. If you look at the other teams in the League Cup, there is no easy team to reach the final.”
Slot felt sorry for Martin.
Liverpool face Southampton, who are still recovering from the sacking of manager Russell Martin, shortly after a 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.
Slot expressed sympathy for former Scotland international and Wolves boss Gary O'Neill, who was sacked at the weekend, but accepted the results and ultimately decided a manager's fate.
He said: “My view is pity. These things happen. Russell Martin performed well for Southampton last season. (His side) played good football again this season. I had a rough day there. We beat them 3-2.
“So managers are always upset if they don't get the chance to continue. Especially in those two situations, for me, it's because the managers have a good idea of how they want to play with their team. Unfortunately, They didn't get enough points – then the managers got sacked.”