Arne Slot gives his thoughts on Federico Chiesa leaving Liverpool on loan in January

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Federico Chiesa has endured a difficult time at Liverpool since joining the club in the dying embers of the summer transfer window.

The Italian had less than a year left on his contract at Juventus and was signed for a cut-price fee believed to be in the region of £12.5m including add-ons.

Since joining the club, he has struggled to work his way up to full fitness and hasn’t featured in Liverpool’s last five games across all competitions.

Chiesa was linked with a return to Serie A on a loan move in January as the Reds consider all their options with their newest recruit.

And Arne Slot has had his say on what’s next for the Italy international as he continues to remain on the sidelines.

Arne Slot says Liverpool will not loan out Federico Chiesa

Chiesa missed the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and is still struggling with his fitness, although the real nature of his injury remains unclear.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, Slot poured cold water over claims that Chiesa could leave in January.

“It hasn’t gone through my mind at all [a loan move for Chiesa],” said the Dutchman at a press conference.

“First is to get him fit. He missed pre-season and in pre-season, he was in low-intensity sessions as he was only training with three or four players. To go to a high-intensity league is difficult for every player.

“It hasn’t been perfect yet so we are trying to find the right way to build him up and I’m fully confident that will happen.”

How many appearances has Chiesa made for Liverpool?

The 27-year-old has featured just three times across all competitions for Liverpool, with his only start coming in the 5-1 EFL Cup win against West Ham United when he notched up an assist for Diogo Jota.

It hasn’t been plain sailing for Chiesa at Liverpool so far, but loaning him out is hardly the solution as he needs to stay with the current squad and work up his match fitness to get to grips with the Premier League.

The Reds are fighting on all fronts this season, so the Italy international will surely have a part to play when he returns to full fitness.