Liverpool Manager Evaluates Chiesa’s Comeback Performance

Federico Chiesa made his long-awaited return to the pitch for Liverpool on Wednesday evening in the EFL Cup quarterfinal victory over Southampton. The Italian international had been sidelined for nearly three months as he worked to regain full fitness following his summer transfer from Juventus.

Chiesa’s move to Liverpool came after he was left out of Thiago Motta’s plans at Juventus, where he had been training separately from the first team. The winger ultimately completed his transfer to Anfield in late August.

In Wednesday’s match, Chiesa played 45 minutes as he eased back into competitive action. Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered his assessment of the player’s performance:

“As one would expect after such a long absence, there were both positives and negatives in Chiesa’s display,” Slot remarked in his post-match press conference. “We saw flashes of his quality, but also moments where it was clear he’s still regaining sharpness. This is entirely normal for a player coming back from a five or six-month layoff.”

Prior to this appearance, Chiesa had featured three times for Liverpool, providing one assist. The Euro 2020 winner with Italy has committed his future to Liverpool until 2028 and boasts 7 goals in 51 appearances for his national team.

Liverpool’s next fixture sees them face Tottenham in Premier League action on December 22nd, where Chiesa will hope to continue building his match fitness.