Federico Chiesa Set for Liverpool Debut in Carabao Cup Opener Against West Ham
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa will start in the Carabao Cup opener against West Ham United, but with a caveat – the Italian international won’t be able to play the full 90 minutes.
Chiesa, 26, joined Liverpool from Juventus on a permanent deal earlier this month and made his debut in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend. Despite being considered surplus to requirements at Juventus, Chiesa impressed in Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 33 Serie A appearances last season.
Slot revealed that Chiesa’s fitness level is still a concern, having played only 25 minutes in the last three or four months. "I don’t think he’s able to play 90 minutes," Slot said. "He’s 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. 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."
Meanwhile, Alisson Becker is set to miss the Carabao Cup opener due to an injury, but Slot is optimistic that the Brazilian goalkeeper will make a swift recovery in time for the weekend’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"It’s for sure Caoimh will be in goal tomorrow," Slot said. "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."
The Carabao Cup opener against West Ham will be a tough test for Liverpool, but with Chiesa’s pace and skill on the wing, the Reds will be looking to make a statement in their cup campaign.
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