Federico Chiesa was as soon as once more lacking from Liverpool’s squad as they beat Tottenham 6-3, and Arne Slot has now revealed the true motive why.
Liverpool’s demolition of Tottenham didn’t require the providers of Chiesa, with the Reds’ different attackers taking it up on themselves to make the opposition’s day a nightmare to neglect.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez each got here off the bench so as to add to Ange Postecoglou’s worries, however Chiesa was absent – a disgrace given it could have been a really perfect recreation during which to get him minutes after a wholesome lead had been established.
Earlier than the match, reporters claimed this was simply as a consequence of him not being chosen by Slot. The coach revealed after Sunday’s match, although, that Chiesa’s non-attendance was as a consequence of illness.
Slot defined: “Sick. Ailing, sadly for him as a result of he had some minutes in opposition to Southampton, however sadly, he was sick within the final two days and at this time as properly so we couldn’t convey him to the sport.”
It’s unclear whether or not he might be obtainable to play in opposition to Leicester on December 26, although the four-day hole will seemingly imply an sickness has cleared up by Boxing Day.
In any case, he isn’t in line to begin because of the type of Liverpool’s different attackers, but when Liverpool can race into one other lead, like in opposition to Tottenham, it might function a possibility for recreation time.
Since arriving on Merseyside, Chiesa has solely performed 123 minutes as a consequence of a group of harm points which have seen him successfully should re-find his health halfway by means of the season.
“He positively is [getting stronger],” Slot mentioned of the 27-year-old on Friday.
“You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and higher. He needed to adapt for fairly a very long time. I’ve mentioned so many instances, as anticipated in case you miss workforce coaching periods for therefore lengthy.
“And then you definately go to a league the place the depth is so excessive as properly, and to a workforce who performs with a whole lot of depth.
“He’s getting stronger, however he’s additionally going through a whole lot of competitors within the right-wing place!”
Slot was additionally requested in regards to the health of Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, replying with a agency “no” to any suggestion they may play in opposition to Leicester.
