Federico Chiesa
LIV
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Oct 25, 1997 (29)
Right
5'9"
154 lb
Returns to bench after back injury
Chiesa (back) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Manchester City after recovering from a back injury that had kept him sidelined since the start of the season.
Analysis: Chiesa returns to Liverpool's matchday squad for the first time this season after overcoming the back problem that disrupted his preparations and ruled him out of the opening league fixtures. The winger resumed team training Thursday and could make his first competitive appearance of the campaign against Manchester City. Given his lengthy absence, his minutes are likely to be managed carefully, with a brief substitute appearance the most realistic scenario. His return provides Liverpool with additional attacking depth as he gradually works toward full match fitness.
On track for Man City clash
Chiesa (back) was spotted taking part in Liverpool's training session Thursday after an extended injury absence, putting him in contention for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Chiesa has taken another positive step toward his return after missing the opening weeks of the season due to a back injury. The winger participated in Thursday's training session and could be available for Sunday's clash against Manchester City, although he has yet to make a competitive appearance this campaign. With Cody Gakpo (ankle) and Alexander Isak (thigh) both doubtful for the match, his return would provide manager Andoni Iraola with an additional attacking option. However, given his lengthy absence, Chiesa could initially be limited to a substitute role as he works toward regaining match fitness.
Returns to training
Chiesa (back) has resumed training after being out for over a month, Sam Millne of This Is Anfield reports.
Analysis: Chiesa is presumably fit enough to take part in practice drills as expected heading into the return to club activity after the international break. Having yet to feature in an official game this campaign, the former Juventus star might require some time before being considered as a real challenger for Cody Gakpo (ankle), Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha on the wings. Still, having another wide option available would boost the team's depth, and some minutes in the final stages of matches could at least give Chiesa the opportunity to look for the momentum he has lost in recent years.
Should train during international break
Chiesa (back) should train during the international break, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "I think even Fede should be around those dates."
Analysis: Chiesa has yet to feature competitively this season after suffering a back issue during the final preseason match against Como, an injury that has already cost him the last two league fixtures. His anticipated return to training during the international break marks a positive step, positioning him to build toward his first appearance of the campaign as a primarily attacking option off the bench once fully fit.
Remains out with back issue
Chiesa (back) will remain unavailable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "Fede is not available. In the game against Como, he felt something in his back."
Analysis: Chiesa has yet to feature competitively this season after suffering the back issue during the final preseason match against Como, which also kept him out of the opener against Newcastle United. The winger will now miss a second consecutive league fixture as he continues his recovery, with no clear return date provided. Chiesa is expected to operate primarily as an attacking option off the bench once fit, so his absence should have limited impact on the starting XI.
Plays second half against Leeds
Chiesa (illness) took one shot in 45 minutes as a substitute during Sunday's friendly matchup against Leeds United.
Analysis: Chiesa bounced back to the squad as expected after being sick for a short period and missing a prior offseason game. The talented attacker scored one goal in another friendly game in July, but he hasn't been involved in the score sheet in official action since January, serving mostly as a depth option. For now, he'll need to make the most of his limited opportunities whenever there's rotation or playing time management for starting attackers such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, while contending also with new signing Victor Munoz.
Misses friendly through illness
Chiesa has been excluded from the squad for Wednesday's pre-season match against Wrexham due to illness, Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo reports.
Analysis: Chiesa is likely to be dealing with a minor ailment, even though his participation in offseason action may continue to be limited given that he's usually a bench option when all of the squad's main attackers are available. He did feature in a previous friendly game versus Sunderland, where he scored one of the team's four goals. The event of a prolonged absence for the Italian would lead to increased playing time for potential starters Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Set to play FA Cup match
Chiesa (undisclosed) is training and is an option for Saturday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Arne Slot. "And Federico indeed came back from the national team, where he wasn't able to play. But he trained with us today, so he will train with us tomorrow again and will be available for the game on the weekend."
Analysis: Chiesa came back from his national team after a slight injury but is already on the right side of fitness, as the attacker looks to already be cleared for Saturday. This comes after he took the field for training following his return to the club, having to watch the unfortunate end of Italy's World Cup dreams from in Liverpool. His addition gives the club a useful super sub in the attack, but he is unlikely to make much of a push for starting time, only starting once in 23 appearances this season while bagging two goals, although he has started in both FA Cup appearances thus far.
Not fit to play with Italy
Chiesa (muscular) is not fit to feature for Italy, according to the FIGC.
Analysis: Chiesa was pulled from Italy's national squad after medical tests upon his arrival revealed muscular issues that left him unfit to play. The winger will now head back to England and look to get healthy over the next few weeks in hopes of being available for the Reds after the international break. That said, Chiesa has mostly been used as a bench piece this season under coach Arne Slot, so his absence is not expected to impact the starting XI.
Should be available Sunday
Chiesa (illness) is expected to train Friday and should be an option for Sunday's clash against Tottenham, according to coach Arne Slot. "I expect he feels better now because he felt unwell the day before the game and I think we're now three or four further ahead. So, I think he's able to train with us today again."
Analysis: Chiesa missed the last match due to illness but is expected back in team training Friday as he feels better and should be available for Sunday's clash against Spurs. The Italian winger has mostly been limited to a bench role this season under coach Arne Slot. His return is unlikely to shake up the starting XI since Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah remain the preferred options on the wings.
Out for UCL clash
Chiesa (undisclosed) is not included in the squad for the Champions League first leg against Galatasaray, the club announced.
Analysis: Chiesa did not train Monday for undisclosed reasons and will not be in the squad for the Champions League first leg against Galatasaray. The forward has mostly served in a substitute role this season, logging just 24 minutes across the last four matches in all competitions, so his absence should not significantly impact the team.
Nets off bench
Chiesa scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 6-0 win versus Qarabag.
Analysis: Chiesa came off the bench for the final 14 minutes of Wednesday's clash and scored. The attacking midfielder has struggled for any sort of sizeable role during his time with Liverpool, despite scoring at a very efficient pace when given chances. It seems unlikely that manager Arne Slot sees a big role for Chiesa in the coming months though.
On bench midweek
Chiesa (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's game versus Qarabag.
Analysis: Chiesa will be an option going forward and could see some minutes as either Mohamed Salah's or Florian Wirtz's backup Wednesday. However, Chiesa has made just four appearances so far in 2026, failing to score or assist across 79 minutes of play, so his fantasy value might be limited until he regains form.
Should be available Wednesday
Chiesa (undisclosed) trained in full on Tuesday and should be an option for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Chiesa missed the last game against Bournemouth due to a minor issue he picked up during the warm up ahead of the game against Marseille last week in the Champions League. The Italian was back in team training on Tuesday and should be an option for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag. This is good news for the Reds, since he should see some playing time in this clash if deemed fit to play, given the matchup.
Out to face Cherries
Chiesa (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Chiesa is not with the club Saturday as he misses another match following an absence in UCL play. This results in some loss of depth but is not a major absence, as the forward has only scored one goal and two assists in 16 appearances (one start) this season.
Late call against Bournemouth
Chiesa (undisclosed) will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Federico wasn't able to be on the bench on Wednesday. There was a recovery session yesterday, so we have to wait and see today. It's difficult for me to say whether he is available for Bournemouth. We don't expect him to be out for long, so it would be 50/50 maybe if he is available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Chiesa will be a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against the Cherries due to the issue he picked up in the warmup prior to Wednesday's clash against Marseille in the Champions League. The Italian is labelled as a fifty-fifty case, but if he had to miss the game and not answer the call, his absence will have only a minor impact on the starting squad since he has mainly been a bench option for the Reds this campaign.
Injured in warmups
Chiesa didn't play in Wednesday's UCL match against Marseille due to an injury he suffered before the game, about which coach Arne Slot told reporters "Two or three minutes after you guys left yesterday, he stepped out of the training session. We took him with us because we don't expect it to be a long-term injury. He tried in the warm-up and he wasn't able to play. That's why he wasn't on the bench."
Analysis: Chiesa has struggled to find a consistent role in Liverpool's rotation, and he's now dealing with an issue that could leave him out of a few more games. The injury-prone winger may consequently see little or no action for the rest of January while either Florian Wirtz or Mohamed Salah play on the right flank. In that case, Chiesa will remain with two goals and one assist in 16 Premier League games over the current season.
Option off bench Saturday
Chiesa (illness) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Chiesa has trained on Friday after fully recovering from the illness that sidelined him for the last game against Inter. The Italian is back available to face the Seagulls and returns as an option off the bench, consistent with the role he has held since the beginning of the campaign. His return would provide additional depth in the attacking rotation without altering the established starting XI.
Should be available
Chiesa (illness) will train on Friday and should be available for Saturday's clash against Brighton, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Federico is not ill anymore. He trained yesterday and he trained today again, so I assume he's ready to be in the squad tomorrow again."
Analysis: Chiesa will train on Friday after fully recovering from the illness that made him miss the last game against Inter. The Italian should be back available against the Seagulls and find back a bench role just like he had since the beginning of the campaign with the Reds.
Out with illness
Chiesa (illness) is out for Tuesday's trip to Inter, per manager Arne Slot. "Federico is ill, so that is poor timing you could say. But it's not something you can do anything about. "
Analysis: Chiesa's illness comes at an awful time for Liverpool, with Cody Gakpo (undisclosed) set for a few weeks out and Mohamed Salah dropped due to a feud with Slot. That means Florian Wirtz could be pushed onto the wing, with one of Liverpool's new strikers or youngster Rio Ngumoha also competing for a starting spot.
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