Arne Slot Provides ‘Encouraging’ Update on Liverpool Star Ahead of Real Madrid Clash | OneFootball

Arne Slot on Federico Chiesa’s Involvement for Real Madrid Clash

Liverpool are gearing up for one of their biggest tests of the season as they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in the Champions League. The Reds’ torrid recent record against the Spanish giants will undoubtedly loom large, but with Arne Slot’s side in excellent form, there is hope of breaking the curse and securing a fifth consecutive win in Europe this term.

However, injuries have plagued Liverpool’s squad, and fans are particularly eager to see whether Federico Chiesa, a marquee summer signing, will be fit enough to feature.

Injury Updates from Arne Slot

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot provided clarity on the fitness of several key players. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, Chiesa remains unavailable for the Real Madrid encounter. Slot revealed that while the Italian winger has returned to training, his involvement is still limited.

“Federico is not in the squad yet,” Slot said. “He’s training with us, not the whole session, but one or two parts of the session.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot went on to confirm the absence of several other important players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will only be fit enough for a possible cameo appearance if absolutely necessary.

“Trent is in the squad but he will not be available to start. He can maybe play a few minutes, in an ideal world maybe he doesn’t, but if necessary he can,” he explained.

Additionally, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas, Alisson Becker, and Harvey Elliott will miss out, leaving Slot with limited options for this crucial clash.

Federico Chiesa’s Delayed Impact

Chiesa has yet to make the mark expected of him since his move to Anfield, largely due to fitness setbacks. The 27-year-old has not featured for Liverpool since the end of September, but Slot has taken a cautious approach to ensure the player’s long-term availability.

Despite speculative rumours about Chiesa’s dissatisfaction and potential departure in January, the winger seems settled at Liverpool. Regular sightings of a smiling Chiesa around the training ground suggest he is eager to contribute once fully fit. For now, however, patience remains key.

Photo: IMAGO

Chiesa’s time will come, and Liverpool supporters can take solace in the fact that the club is prioritising his health over short-term gains. As seen with other key players in the past, a measured approach can pay dividends later in the season.

Forward Line Decisions for Slot

With Chiesa and Jota sidelined, Slot’s attacking options remain unchanged from recent weeks. The manager has relied on a quartet of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Cody Gakpo to lead the line.

Given the demanding fixture schedule, rotation is likely. After Darwin Núñez featured extensively in Liverpool’s midweek win against Southampton, Slot may opt to rest the Uruguayan striker, with Luis Díaz expected to lead the attack. Díaz’s success in a central role during Liverpool’s recent victory over Bayer Leverkusen has given Slot a reliable alternative in such situations.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s attack has been a driving force in their strong start under Slot’s management, and fans will hope the chosen trio can exploit a weakened Real Madrid side missing Vinícius Júnior and other key players.

Can Liverpool Break Their Madrid Curse?

For all their attacking prowess, Liverpool must navigate this encounter with caution. Real Madrid’s knack for rising to the occasion in Europe is well-documented, and despite their injury woes, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will pose a significant challenge.

Slot’s tactical acumen and the Anfield crowd’s fervent support could prove decisive. Liverpool’s determination to secure progression to the Champions League knockout stages remains unshaken, but the absence of players like Chiesa underlines the need for squad resilience.

With a vital three points up for grabs and a chance to build momentum, this match will be a test of Liverpool’s depth, discipline, and desire under Slot’s leadership.