Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirms Federico Chiesa is a doubt for Bournemouth clash | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa is a doubt to face Bournemouth in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Vitality Stadium.

The Italian forward had looked unlikely to feature after missing Liverpool’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Olympique Marseille in the Champions League in midweek.

Chiesa was initially named as a substitute for the game in France, but was withdrawn late and did not make the matchday squad.

There were reports that he had suffered a knock during the warm-up. But Slot later cleared the air, explaining that the issue occurred in training the day before the game.

Chiesa still travelled with the Liverpool squad to Marseille to receive treatment in hopes of shaking off the knock in time to feature against the French giants.

While he couldn’t force his way in, he may not be out for too long.

When asked about Chiesa’s setback, Slot admitted it was still unclear whether he would be ready in time to face Bournemouth, but he stressed that the injury is not expected to keep him out for long.

“Federico wasn’t able to be on the bench on Wednesday,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference.

“There was a recovery session yesterday, so we have to wait and see today. It’s difficult for me to say whether he is available for Bournemouth.

“We don’t expect him to be out for long, so it would be 50/50 maybe if he is available.”

Chiesa has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Liverpool, but the Italian has always been keen to prove himself in the Premier League.

He has hardly gotten a chance to compete for a first-team spot, starting just one of his 16 Premier League appearances this season.

The 28-year-old has featured 22 times in all competitions, returning two goals and three assists.

His absence may not make that much of a difference at Vitality Stadium, where Liverpool will be looking to preserve their 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.