An injury update has surfaced on Federico Chiesa after the Liverpool forward picked up another setback during the clash in Marseille.
Federico Chiesa may be a doubt for Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth this Saturday following a fresh injury concern.
The Italian forward had been named on the bench for Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Marseille, but it soon emerged after kick-off that he had picked up an issue during the warm-up at the Stade Vélodrome and was therefore unavailable.
In the end, Arne Slot’s side produced a dominant performance to claim a 3-0 victory, meaning Chiesa’s absence went largely unnoticed on the night. However, the winger is now facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the weekend.
Chiesa facing late fitness test
Just before 11:30pm on Wednesday, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele shared an update on X, explaining that the problem originated in training the day before the match and resurfaced during the warm-up.
Steele wrote: “Federico Chiesa pulled out of the bench tonight due to an injury he first felt in training on Tuesday, which came back in the warm-up. Liverpool return on Thursday and it’s unclear whether he’ll be fit to be involved on Saturday.”
Slot optimistic over Chiesa setback
Speaking after the game, Slot admitted he had hoped Chiesa would be fit enough to feature in Marseille but reassured supporters that he does not believe the issue is a long-term one.
The 28-year-old will undergo further checks by Liverpool’s medical team once the squad returns to Merseyside, with Slot expected to provide another update when he addresses the media ahead of the Bournemouth clash.
Although Chiesa has mainly been used as a substitute this season, any extended absence would limit Liverpool’s attacking options. That concern is heightened by Alexander Isak’s ongoing injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined until at least March.
Mohamed Salah’s return is therefore especially timely following this latest setback for Chiesa, who has already endured a stop-start beginning to his Liverpool career due to fitness problems. Salah’s missed chances against Marseille suggested he is still building rhythm, but his availability offers some reassurance.
Liverpool will be hoping the issue that ruled Chiesa out in France proves minor, allowing him to at least be in contention for selection when the Reds head to the Vitality Stadium this weekend.
