Liverpool fans have been left less than happy after seeing a fresh update about Federico Chiesa ahead of their Champions League clash against Girona.
The Champions League returns this week, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their perfect record in the competition, the only team to do so.
Arne Slot’s squad has allowed just one goal in their five matches so far, with their standout result being a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield last month.
Liverpool has faced few challenges offensively, but Slot rotated his attacking lineup for Wednesday’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle. The postponement of Saturday’s Merseyside derby helped in this regard, though the Reds are dealing with injury issues, including the absence of forward Diogo Jota.
Darwin Nunez was included in the team on Wednesday but struggled to make an impact, while Chiesa would normally be an alternative. However, the Italian hasn’t played since September due to a muscle injury, despite impressing on his debut for the club against West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
His injury history at Juventus has also left Liverpool fans concerned, and the latest update on Chiesa has only fueled that worry.
While he has resumed training as part of his recovery, The Athletic’s James Pearce reports that Chiesa missed Monday’s session due to illness. This marks another setback for the winger, who now seems likely to miss Tuesday’s away match in Spain.
Frustration among fans is growing, with some even comparing him to former Liverpool disappointments Arthur Melo and Alberto Aquilani, both of whom were signed from Serie A.
In September, Chiesa had spoken about his desire to play a significant role this season: “I am training harder, faster, I’m training to be ready to play,” he said on the club’s official website. “It depends on the coach and when he wants to play me. I just need to be ready.”
