Arne Slot gives Federico Chiesa fitness update after ‘knock’ against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League

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Liverpool took the positives from a tricky night against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Having already qualified for the knockout rounds, the Reds knew they needed nothing from their visit to the Netherlands.

Nevertheless, there was still plenty riding on the match for the eleven players selected by Arne Slot.

From Cody Gakpo returning to his boyhood club to youngsters such as James McConnell attempting to make a name for themselves, everyone had something to prove.

Another who comfortably fell into that bracket was Federico Chiesa, making his first start since 25th September.

Chiesa delivered an eye-catching performance as he completed 90 minutes for the first time in his Liverpool career. However, there was some concern after the Italian stayed down for an extended period in the first-half.

No problem for Federico Chiesa

Liverpool fans have waited a long time to get a proper glimpse of Chiesa. Things have not gone smoothly for the Italian.

Nevertheless, Wednesday’s showing suggested that he will be worth the wait. Direct, full of energy and dangerous as ever, Chiesa had a hand in both of Liverpool’s goals on the night.

Initially, it had looked as though his desire to win his team a penalty – which Gakpo then converted – may have cost the 27-year-old.

After taking a whack in the PSV box, Chiesa looked like he may have picked up an injury. However, he was able to play on long after the collision and according to Slot, it was nothing more than a ‘knock.’

READ MORE: Federico Chiesa insists he ‘wants to play for Liverpool’ after making first start in four months against PSV Eindhoven

“He got a knock with the penalty so that took him a few minutes before he got going again,” said the Liverpool head coach.

“But I think it’s been seven, eight or nine months ago – maybe even longer, I don’t know exactly – since he played 90. Federico in the end was still sprinting, trying to do his work. So, positive.”

When will Chiesa play next?

Given the youthfulness of Slot’s options on the bench, perhaps it should not have been a surprise to see Chiesa be given the full 90 minutes on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, after featuring for only four minutes at the weekend, it had felt as though the Italy international was not quite ready for that kind of exertion.

That Slot chose to keep him on – and that he still looked fresh deep into the game – is very encouraging indeed.

Obviously, there is no chance that Chiesa will start at Bournemouth, but he should be an option from the bench if Liverpool need him.

From there, it should be expected that some more significant minutes will come his way against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, and certainly the following weekend at Plymouth.