Forgotten Liverpool star may be given chance to prove his worth vs Man City

Liverpool's biggest test of the 2026-27 season is now less than 24 hours away.

Andoni Iraola's men will be taking on Manchester City for the first time this season.

The fact that the Cityzens are the Reds' first game back after the international break is far from ideal but, with the recent news that has broken out about City and their 115 charges, the atmosphere is going to be electric.

And, while Liverpool's fanbase would usually go into a game against City with plenty of confidence, their recent injuries have thrown a bit of a spanner in the works.

Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, two of Liverpool's best players this season, are both ruled out for the clash.

This has left the Reds very weak upfront and without a natural number nine to lead their attack.

So, with this in mind, many rumours have been shared about what Liverpool could end up doing with one forgotten star even being mooted as a potential option.

Federico Chiesa could end up leading Liverpool's attack against Manchester City

At the moment, Liverpool have a lot of attackers among their ranks but, most of them are better off when used on the left-wing.

Rio Ngumoha, Victor Munoz, Gakpo and Bradley Barcola all perform much better when used in their natural position on the left.

However, since Mohamed Salah has gone and no replacement was signed for him, Iraola has had to ask his attackers to play on the right and, while Gakpo has actually thrived there, others haven't been so lucky.

But, right now, their striker is their main problem. Lewis Koumas, Barcola and Munoz can all be used as a number nine but, none of them are really incredible options.

This is where Federico Chiesa comes in. The Italy international has had a bit of a terrible time since joining Liverpool and, no matter who has been in charge, he's failed to impress.

But, since he's been training throughout the international break, he could finally be ready to feature for the Anfield outfit.

Naturally, the Italy international is also a winger but, even when Iraola first came in, Chiesa admitted that the Spaniard saw him as more of a striker than a winger.

So, with all of their number nine options out of action, now could be the time for Liverpool to call upon the 28-year-old.

This could be Federico Chiesa's last chance to prove his worth to Liverpool

Ever since Chiesa joined Liverpool, rumours of him exiting have been rife.

The Italian was expected to be a bargain back-up option for Salah but, during his first season with the club, he spent most of the time side-lined due to injury.

Last term, he was available for most of the campaign but, like most of Liverpool's players, Arne Slot failed to play him.

This led to Liverpool's starting XI being almost the same in every single game, even when things were clearly not working.

But, since Iraola's appointment, he's given almost every single player a chance so, it's hard to see why he wouldn't give Chiesa his turn.

Of course, it's a massive risk starting the former Juventus man after he's only just returned from injury but, compared to the inexperience of Koumas, allowing the Italian to be the focal point of Liverpool's attack doesn't feel like that bad of an idea.

Here's hoping that these changes are made and Iraola gives Chiesa a chance on Sunday.