Is Federico Chiesa available to play for Liverpool against Manchester United?

Earlier this week Liverpool unveiled their first, and so far only, signing of the summer transfer window. Italian international Federico Chiesa arrives from Juventus, further bolstering the attacking options at Arne Slot’s disposal.

Chiesa suffered a cruciate ligament tear in 2022 that kept him sidelined for nine months and greatly affected his time at Juventus. He has taken the No. 14 jersey at Anfield and will hope to get his promising career back on track with Liverpool.

The deadline for eligibility for this weekend’s Premier League games is noon on Friday, meaning that Chiesa should be registered in time to feature against Manchester United on Sunday. However, speaking to reporters on Friday, Slot revealed that Chiesa will have to wait for his Liverpool debut.

Will Federico Chiesa play against Manchester United?

Liverpool have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking areas with six senior forwards competing for just three spots in the team. With that in mind, the Liverpool head coach told reporters on Friday morning that he does not expect Chiesa to be involved at Old Trafford.

“He’s going to train with us today but it’s a bigger chance that he is not in the squad for Sunday than he is,” Slot said at Friday’s press conference. “If injuries might come up in the upcoming two days we might need him, but I don’t expect him to be in but I cannot guarantee this.”

Slot added that midfielder Curtis Jones is the only player currently ruled out due to injury for the Reds. He is yet to return to training as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.