Liverpool manager Arne Slot has cautioned fans to temper their expectations for Federico Chiesa as the winger works his way back to full fitness after an extended period on the sidelines.
Chiesa, who joined the Reds in the summer, made his first appearance since September during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday. Coming off the bench, the Italian international featured for the fourth time this season after being out of action for over three months due to persistent injury problems.
While Chiesa’s performance showed glimpses of promise, Slot emphasized that such mixed displays are a natural part of his recovery process.
“I don’t know if everyone saw it the same way I did, but I think it was what you’d expect,” Slot explained. “After being out for five or six months, it’s unrealistic to demand too much right away.
“There were ups and downs. I saw moments of brilliance, but also instances where I thought, ‘You can do better than this.’ That’s completely normal for someone returning after such a long absence. It’s his first game in five or six months, so this will take time.”
A Long Road to Full Fitness
Slot highlighted the challenges of reintegrating a player after a lengthy injury spell, contrasting it with the shorter recovery periods players often face during the season.
“Usually, during pre-season, players get three, four, or five games to build their rhythm, and even then, they might only be out for a few weeks. In Chiesa’s case, he’s been out far longer, which makes it harder to get him back to his best,” Slot said. “That being said, it was encouraging to see flashes of his quality in this match.”
Tough Competition for Starting Spots
Despite Chiesa’s gradual progress, Slot reminded fans that the winger still faces stiff competition within Liverpool’s star-studded attack.
“Competing at this level isn’t easy, especially in a team with players like Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota,” Slot noted. “It’s great to see Chiesa back, and he had some positive moments, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Eyeing Tottenham Clash
Chiesa’s next opportunity to make an impact could come during Liverpool’s highly anticipated clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The fixture carries added significance after last season’s controversial loss, where a Luis Diaz goal was wrongly disallowed for offside.
As Liverpool fans eagerly await Chiesa’s full recovery, Slot’s message is clear: patience will be key as the talented winger works to regain his form and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
SOURCE: 90min.com
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