Arne Slot spoke to the media ahead of Liverpool’s first Champions League game at Anfield. (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot has revealed when both Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa might return from injury after sitting out Liverpool training ahead of their second Champions League match of the season.
The Reds return to Anfield for a clash against Serie A outfit Bologna – their second consecutive Italian opponent in this year’s competition, having despatched AC Milan on opening night.
But question marks about Jota and Chiesa’s involvement were raised after it was revealed that the pair had been struggling with some injury problems.
Slot has since put any worries about a long-term injury to bed, but the duo could still face some time on the sidelines.
Commenting on summer signing Chiesa, Slot revealed: “Federico trained with us yesterday, he came in today with some problems.
“I am not expecting him tomorrow. It is a pity, against an Italian team. It happened yesterday. I am not expecting him to be out for long.”
Having joined for £12.5million in the summer, Chiesa has endured a stop-start couple of weeks in Merseyside, registering just 73 minutes and three appearances so far this season – just one of those coming as a starter.
By contrast, with five G/A contributions to his name already this term, Jota has been one of the six-time European champions’ best performers.
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Federico Chiesa has managed just one start for Liverpool this term. (Image: Getty)
His absence from first-team training no doubt poses the bigger concern for Slot, but the ex-Feyenoord boss has insisted the issue isn’t a serious one.
On the Portuguese ace, Slot said: “Diogo missed out on two [training] sessions after the game against Wolves he took a knock.
“[But] I’m expecting him to be with use tomorrow, to be available to play.”
Whether that’s from the start remains to be seen, but given Darwin Nunez is back fit and firing, Slot could use it as an opportunity to rest and rotate his side for the match against the team currently 13th in the Serie A table.
Diogo Jota has been one of Liverpool’s standout players this term. (Image: Getty)
Regardless, it will mark a special night for Slot, given it’s the first Champions League fixture he’ll take charge of on the Anfield stage.
On his upcoming European debut at Anfield, the 46-year-old added: “People tell me it is more special here. I want to see this, I want to feel this.
“That the players missed this for a season. I am hoping it’s the same from the fans. This desire to show Europe that they missed us. That combination should lead to a special night for everyone.”
Liverpool take on Bologna at Anfield tomorrow night at 8pm.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1955880/arne-slot-diogo-jota-federico-chiesa-injuries