Arne Slot has shed light on whether new signing Federico Chiesa will start Liverpool’s Carabao Cup opener against West Ham United.
Chiesa came off the bench to make his Liverpool debut in their 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend, following his permanent move from Juventus.
The 26-year-old, who featured in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, was considered surplus to requirements at the Italian giants following Thiago Motta’s appointment as manager.
He scored nine goals and provided two assists in 33 Serie A appearances last season, earning his place at Euro 2024 where he started three out of Italy’s four matches.
Chiesa’s new team sit second in the Premier League table after winning four out of their five games so far and are set to get their defense of the Carabao Cup underway on Wednesday night.
Despite the format being seeded in favour of the sides in Europe this season, Arne Slot still has the tough task of facing West Ham.
Ahead of the game Slot has revealed that although Chiesa won’t be able to play the full 90, he is in contention to start.
“I don’t think he’s able to play 90 minutes,” Slot said via The Echo.
“He only played 25 now as a maximum in the last three or four months.
“I don’t think he played any friendlies at Juventus as well but he’s able to start in our opinion so let’s see. There are many options we have. He’s able to start in our opinion but I don’t think he is able to play 90 at the level we are playing tomorrow against a strong West Ham team,” he added.
Federico Chiesa- Getty
Slot also gave an update on the fitness of Allison who missed the weekend’s game through injury.
“It’s for sure Caoimh will be in goal tomorrow,” Slot said on Tuesday.
Despite being ruled out for the cup action, Slot is optimistic his number one can make a swift recovery in time for the weekend.
“Alisson is getting there but this game is coming a bit too early. We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves but it’s going to be tight so let’s see if he is going to be there,” he added.
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Topics: Liverpool, Carabao Cup, West Ham, Federico Chiesa, Transfers, Premier League