Federico Chiesa was as soon as once more lacking from Liverpool’s squad as they beat Tottenham 6-3, and Arne Slot has now revealed the true purpose why.
Liverpool’s demolition of Tottenham didn’t require the companies of Chiesa, with the Reds’ different attackers taking it up on themselves to make the opposition’s day a nightmare to neglect.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez each got here off the bench so as to add to Ange Postecoglou’s worries, however Chiesa was absent – a disgrace given it could have been a great sport wherein to get him minutes after a wholesome lead had been established.
Earlier than the match, reporters claimed this was simply attributable to him not being chosen by Slot. The coach revealed after Sunday’s match, although, that Chiesa’s non-attendance was attributable to illness.
Slot defined: “Sick. Sick, sadly for him as a result of he had some minutes towards Southampton, however sadly, he was sick within the final two days and at this time as properly so we couldn’t carry him to the sport.”
It’s unclear whether or not he will likely be out there to play towards Leicester on December 26, although the four-day hole will possible imply an sickness has cleared up by Boxing Day.
In any case, he isn’t in line to start out because of the type of Liverpool’s different attackers, but when Liverpool can race into one other lead, like towards Tottenham, it may function a possibility for sport time.
Since arriving on Merseyside, Chiesa has solely performed 123 minutes attributable to a group of harm points which have seen him successfully should re-find his health halfway by way of the season.
“He undoubtedly is [getting stronger],” Slot mentioned of the 27-year-old on Friday.
“You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and higher. He needed to adapt for fairly a very long time. I’ve mentioned so many occasions, as anticipated should you miss staff coaching periods for therefore lengthy.
“And you then go to a league the place the depth is so excessive as properly, and to a staff who performs with loads of depth.
“He’s getting stronger, however he’s additionally going through loads of competitors within the right-wing place!”
Slot was additionally requested in regards to the health of Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, replying with a agency “no” to any suggestion they may play towards Leicester.
