Arne Slot admits to 'problem' for Federico Chiesa as Liverpool boss explains plan for Italy winger as he nears return from injury

Italy international Chiesa swapped Juventus for Liverpool in August for just £11 million ($14m) but has barely played due to injury and illness. Now, Reds manager Slot has revealed when the 27-year-old will be available to play again and the issues the winger is currently facing.

He told reporters: "I think [Chiesa and Diogo Jota] are [available this weekend]. We have one more training session to go. Federico missed a lot for a long time; he was ill last week so we have to see how he is. Maybe Diogo is in the squad, maybe Federico as well, but that depends on the numbers and how he's recovered from his illness."

Slot added: "What's difficult is we play so many games, and what he needs is playing time. The problem is if you haven't played for five or six months, it's difficult for a manager to give him his first minutes because you don't know what to expect. Yes, you see him on the training ground, but ideally, you'll see him in a friendly during the week or a U21 game, but that's not the situation we have because we play so many games. Maybe the Southampton game will be a good moment for him to get some playing minutes, then we'll know what to expect from him. We see his quality, we know his quality, but he needs to get his fitness level, and if you only have training that's not the same as playing time. You need playing time to reach those fitness levels. If you're competing for the league, competing in the Champions League, it's not always easy to find these minutes. Maybe if you're four or 5-0 up, but for the whole season, that's only been once, I think. The rest has been a struggle or a fight for every game."

Chiesa has made just three appearances for Liverpool so far but a muscle injury has kept him on the sidelines more often than not. The Italian also had an injury-hit pre-season and that looks to have had a telling impact on him this term. But he could yet play a part in their trophy hunts in 2024/25.

It remains to be seen if Chiesa, whose contract at Anfield runs until 2028, will get a run out on Saturday when Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League.