Arne Slot Addresses Federico Chiesa’s Absence from Training
Liverpool are preparing for their upcoming Champions League clash against Bologna at Anfield on 2nd October 2024, with excitement building as Arne Slot gears up for his first European match at home. However, concerns arose when Federico Chiesa was notably absent from training, prompting Slot to provide clarity on the situation.
Why Federico Chiesa Missed Training
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for £12.5 million in the summer, has had a slow start to his Anfield career. With only 78 minutes played across three appearances, the Italian winger was expected to feature prominently in the Bologna match. Yet, during the morning session at the AXA training ground, Chiesa’s absence raised eyebrows.
Arne Slot addressed this in his pre-match press conference, revealing that Chiesa had trained with the team the day before but reported some issues on the morning of the session. Slot explained:
“Federico trained with us yesterday and came in today with some problems – I am not expecting him to be in the team tomorrow.”
This news is undoubtedly disappointing for Chiesa, who was eager to play in a Champions League fixture, especially against an Italian side like Bologna. However, Slot remains optimistic about the player’s recovery and downplayed any long-term concerns.
“I am not expecting him to be out for a long period of time, at worst after the [October] international break.”
Key Players Missing for Liverpool
Liverpool are in a strong position after their 3-1 victory over AC Milan in their opening Champions League match, with players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz in fine form. However, Slot’s squad is not without its challenges. Alongside Chiesa’s absence, Diogo Jota has also been dealing with a knock, although he is expected to return soon. Slot shared further updates:
“Diogo missed out on two sessions after he took a knock. I’m expecting him to be with us tomorrow and could be able to play.”
On a more positive note, Darwin Nunez, who had been recovering from illness, is set to make a return to the squad for this important fixture.
Bologna’s Champions League Dream
Bologna, meanwhile, are experiencing their first Champions League run in 60 years, making this a significant occasion for the Italian club. Although they come into the match as underdogs, they will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses in Liverpool’s injury-stricken squad.
This will be a dream night for Bologna, but the odds are stacked against them. Anfield has a long-standing reputation for being a fortress in European competitions, and with Liverpool’s depth and quality, Slot’s side are widely expected to secure a victory.
Arne Slot’s First Home European Fixture
This match marks an important milestone for Arne Slot, as it will be his first European fixture at Anfield. After Liverpool’s strong start to the season, Slot will be keen to build momentum and navigate the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Federico Chiesa. Nonetheless, Liverpool fans will be confident heading into this clash, trusting Slot to manage the squad effectively and keep their Champions League campaign on track.
