Federico Chiesa has been named in Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League opener against AC Milan, setting the stage for the Italian winger to possibly make his long-awaited debut.
Having completed a summer transfer from Juventus, Chiesa has yet to play a minute for the Reds, but the trip to Milan offers him the chance to feature for the first time under new manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool Latest Signing Federico Chiesa Set for Potential Debut in Champions League Opener
Chiesa’s arrival at Anfield was one of the most talked-about moves of the summer window. Despite that, fans have been left waiting to see the exciting winger in action. His absence from the squad in Liverpool’s shock Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest raised eyebrows, but it was clear Slot has been managing his fitness with care.
Chiesa hasn’t played competitive football since June, following his participation in Euro 2024, and the Liverpool boss has been cautious in reintegrating the Italian back into full match intensity.
Named among the 23-man traveling squad, Chiesa’s inclusion for the midweek fixture against Milan offers hope that his debut may finally be around the corner.
Though he might not start due to a lack of recent action, just the prospect of seeing Chiesa in the famous red shirt will excite supporters, especially with the game taking place at the iconic San Siro—a fitting stage for such an introduction.
Chiesa, 26, hasn’t been rushed into the fold, with Slot opting for patience to avoid any potential setbacks. His pace, dribbling, and creativity could be key assets for Liverpool this season, particularly in a revamped Champions League format that promises to test the squad’s depth. His debut would come at a crucial time for Liverpool, with fixtures coming thick and fast.
The Milan match marks the beginning of an eight-game league phase in this season’s Champions League, a reformatting that sees each club play eight different opponents across the group stage.
Alongside AC Milan, Liverpool will face clubs such as Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen. This new format means all 36 clubs are placed into one long league table, with the top 24 advancing to the knockout stages.
The top eight from this group will receive byes into the round of 16, reducing their fixture load, and Liverpool will be eager to be among them.
Liverpool’s squad depth will undoubtedly be tested during this period, and Chiesa’s return to full fitness could be a significant boost for the Reds. Competition for attacking places is fierce, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez already vying for spots in the forward line.
However, Chiesa’s versatility and quality make him a valuable addition to Slot’s tactical setup.
As Liverpool prepare for their trip to Milan, all eyes will be on whether Chiesa gets his first minutes for the club. For now, his inclusion in the squad is an encouraging sign that his much-anticipated debut is imminent, and it could be the spark Liverpool need as they kick off their European campaign.
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