Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool injury saga takes another twist as Italy boss reveals the truth about his fitness struggles and why his Premier League return remains uncertain.
Liverpool return to Premier League action next weekend, eager to halt a three-game losing streak that has left fans frustrated and Arne Slot under pressure.
Defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and most recently Chelsea a 2-1 loss sealed by a last-gasp goal at Stamford Bridge have underlined the Reds’ struggles in both attack and consistency.
Amid this challenging period, Federico Chiesa has been at the centre of Liverpool’s fitness concerns. The Italian winger missed the Champions League trip to Galatasaray due to a minor “niggle,” as confirmed by Slot, adding to the uncertainty surrounding one of the team’s most dynamic attacking talents.
Chiesa’s season has been anything but straightforward. After a promising start, he was surprisingly left out of Liverpool’s initial Champions League squad, a decision that puzzled fans given his form and contribution in the early months. However, the winger was later added to the squad following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury, offering him an unexpected lifeline in Europe.
Despite this reprieve, Chiesa has struggled to find consistency. He did not travel for the Galatasaray match, and his appearances under Slot have been limited, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in maintaining fitness while adapting to a new tactical setup under the Dutch manager.
Chiesa’s struggles have not been confined to Anfield. Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed during the international break that the winger remains sidelined.
“The Chiesa issue is very simple. I talk to my players a lot, and I want to make that clear, a lot. I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I also have to respect what the player tells me. He does not feel at 100 per cent and wants to be at 100 per cent, that is the truth,” Gattuso said.
The 27-year-old has not played for Italy since Euro 2024, his last appearance being a 2-0 Round of 16 loss to Switzerland. Even with the Azzurri limited in attacking options due to injuries, Chiesa was omitted from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel, leaving questions over his readiness for international duty.
While Chiesa’s appearances have been sporadic, he has still made a tangible impact for Liverpool this season. In five Premier League substitute appearances, he has scored twice, demonstrating his ability to influence games despite limited minutes. His sole League Cup start, a 3-0 win over Southampton, saw him provide two assists, underlining his creativity and vision when fully fit.
Yet his opportunities have been restricted by recurring injuries. A minor issue kept him out of Liverpool’s Champions League defeat in Turkey, and he did not feature from the bench in the dramatic 2-1 loss at Chelsea. For a team struggling to find rhythm and consistency, the absence of one of their most explosive attacking options is a significant blow.
For Liverpool, Chiesa’s situation represents a critical balancing act. The club are desperate for points and momentum in the Premier League, but rushing the winger back could aggravate his fitness problems and compromise his long-term availability. Both Slot and Gattuso have emphasised patience, ensuring Chiesa only returns when fully ready.
Chiesa’s journey this season has been defined by patience and resilience. After missing large parts of the previous campaign due to injury, he has had to manage expectations while working his way back to peak fitness. His measured approach is mirrored by both Liverpool and Italy, prioritising a long-term return over short-term gains.
As Liverpool prepare for their upcoming clash against Manchester United after international break, all eyes will be on Chiesa.
A fully fit winger could inject the creativity and threat Liverpool desperately need, while his continued absence leaves the Reds to rely on other forwards in a campaign that promises to be closely contested at the top of the table.
Chiesa’s struggles mirror Liverpool’s current difficulties. As the Reds aim to rediscover their form, his return to full fitness will be key. Both Slot and Gattuso are taking a cautious approach, ensuring that when the winger is ready, he can perform at the level that made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
The 27-year-old’s fitness struggles are emblematic of Liverpool’s wider challenges this season. With injuries, inconsistent form, and a demanding fixture schedule, Slot’s squad depth is being tested.
As Liverpool look to bounce back in the Premier League, Chiesa’s return to full fitness will be key. Both Slot and Gattuso are taking a measured approach, ensuring that when the winger does return, he is truly ready to make an impact for club and country.
