Slot openly states the reason why Chiesa was excluded from the Champions League squad

Coach Arne Slot emphasized that Federico Chiesa missing the away game at Galatasaray is not a major concern, but a choice to give him time to recuperate ahead of the Chelsea fixture.

Liverpool is preparing for their second Champions League group stage match in Istanbul. Notably, Federico Chiesa — who recently scored in the 1-2 loss against Crystal Palace in the Premier League — was not included in the list of 21 players traveling to Turkey. Initially, this surprised fans because Chiesa had just been added to the Champions League squad following Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury.

Some sources claimed this was simply Slot’s “selection decision,” but the Dutch coach has officially clarified the situation. “He experienced a slight injury in the recent match against Palace. He tried to train today but couldn’t complete the session. So, we decided to rest him because the Chelsea game is coming up in a few days,”Slot explained.

Therefore, Chiesa’s absence is due to a minor injury, not a serious fitness issue. Slot wants to ensure the Italian player’s safety given the packed schedule, as Liverpool needs him available for crucial Premier League games.

Liverpool’s successful registration of Chiesa in the Champions League squad means he can still play in upcoming matches if he recovers in time. This is positive news for the Italian player, who endured a difficult 2024/25 season due to a long-term muscle injury. He only appeared 6 times in the Premier League last season, scoring 2 goals, which was below expectations.

This season, Chiesa has shown signs of returning to his usual form. His goal against Crystal Palace demonstrated his ability to create chances, providing Liverpool with a reliable attacking option. Thus, resting him to prepare for the crucial Chelsea match is a sensible move to maintain his long-term fitness.

With Liverpool facing tough competition in both the Premier League and Champions League, Coach Arne Slot is cautious with every squad decision. Regarding Chiesa, he does not want to risk losing a key player in the upcoming important stages by pushing him in a group stage match.

Although absent in Turkey, Chiesa is expected to recover in time to play this weekend. If he returns on schedule, he could become a new pillar for Liverpool’s attack during the demanding season ahead.

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