Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Expresses Sympathy for Federico Chiesa's Absence Following £11m Juventus Transfer

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given a worrying update on Federico Chiesa, who remains absent since joining from Juventus.

What Happened? Chiesa debuted for Liverpool as a substitute in their Champions League win over AC Milan in September and came off the bench in their 3-0 Premier League victory over Bournemouth. However, his participation has been limited due to ongoing fitness issues, raising concerns among fans.

What Arne Slot Said Ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig, Slot detailed the reasons behind Chiesa’s continued absence. "With Federico, it’s a bit more simple; although it’s more difficult, but it’s a bit more simple to explain," he told reporters. "He missed a complete pre-season, I said this many times, and going to a league where the intensity might even be higher than the Italian league. We just faced the two Italian teams [Milan and Bologna in the Champions League], so I can say this now.

"So that makes it difficult for him to make the step towards the intensity levels the rest of the team is at at the moment. That has not so much to do with the Italian league or the Premier League, that has more to do with him missing a complete pre-season and that is so difficult for every player – when the games are constantly there – to build them up towards the levels we are at. So, difficult to say, but it’s a big disappointment for him that he is going in and out of the training sessions all the time. I feel sorry for him."

The Bigger Picture Chiesa's fitness troubles have impacted not only his Liverpool career but also his international prospects. He hasn't played for Italy since their European Championship exit in June, and coach Luciano Spalletti excluded him from the last four Nations League matches.

What’s Next for Chiesa & Liverpool? Liverpool supporters hope Chiesa can regain the form that made him one of Italy's top talents once he’s fully fit. However, he will miss the Champions League clash against Leipzig on Wednesday and is unlikely to feature against Arsenal on Sunday, a key Premier League fixture.