Slot confirms Chiesa injury ahead of Galatasaray clash | OneFootball

Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa for their Champions League meeting with Galatasaray after Arne Slot confirmed the forward has picked up a minor injury.

The 27-year-old Italian was not included in the 21-man travelling squad named by the club for the trip to Rams Park.

Chiesa was added to Liverpool’s Champions League squad following the long-term ACL injury suffered by young defender Giovanni Leoni.

Slot explains decision to leave out Chiesa

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot explained the situation surrounding the Italian’s absence.

“He got a little niggle, I think it is the word you use here in England, in the last game against Palace,” said Slot.

“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.”

Key figure in Slot’s plans

Chiesa has quickly established himself as a key part of Slot’s squad this season. He has already scored two important goals and shown his value in big moments.

The Italy international joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024 from Juventus in a deal worth €15m and has since grown into a player Slot relies on.

Liverpool’s preparations for this game follow their first defeat of the season, which occurred dramatically against Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.

The Reds trailed for much of the match after conceding the opener, but Chiesa pulled them level in the 87th minute with a smart finish, just ten minutes after coming off the bench.

It looked as though Slot’s side would escape with a point, yet Eddie Nketiah struck deep into stoppage time in the 97th minute to seal victory for Palace.

Liverpool will now look to cope without him in Turkey before turning attention to their upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea.