Arne Slot has revealed the reason for Federico Chiesa’s latest absence.
Chiesa’s Liverpool career is yet to take flight with just four outings since joining from Juventus, his most recent in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
The Italy international was a notable omission for Sunday’s rout at Tottenham which ensured Slot’s side saw in Christmas as the Premier League’s leaders.
But the Reds head coach confirmed illness laid Chiesa low ahead of the trip to the capital while continuing to build up his fitness after several injury spells.
“He definitely is [getting stronger],” said Slot.
“You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and better. He had to adapt for quite a long time.
“I’ve said so many times, as expected if you miss team training sessions for so long.
“And then you go to a league where the intensity is so high as well, and to a team who plays with a lot of intensity.
“He is getting stronger, but he’s also facing a lot of competition in the right-wing position.”
