Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed that Federico Chiesa was overlooked for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray due to a minor fitness issue.
The Italy international was a particularly notable absentee from Liverpool’s travelling squad given his strong run of form. Reports immediately after the list was revealed claimed that Chiesa had been overlooked by Slot as a consequence of a “selection decision” rather than an injury.
Slot was quick to contradict that stance. “He got a little niggle, I think it is the word you use here in England, in the last game against [Crystal] Palace,” the Dutch boss told assembled reporters.
“He tried it today, he was on the pitch in the beginning but he couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”
Chiesa is averaging a goal or an assist every 38 minutes he’s on the pitch this season. That impact off the bench may prove crucial in Saturday’s meaty Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but Slot won’t be able to call upon his supersub for an awkward Champions League away tie.
