Arne Slot teases brilliant RETURN of in-form Liverpool star

Arne Slot appears to have confirmed that one Liverpool star will return to face Chelsea at the weekend. Now this is what we want to hear.

Arne Slot found himself at the centre of criticism on Monday. It was announced that Federico Chiesa would not be a part of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League squad to face Galatasaray in Turkey.

Given Chiesa’s form this season, it came as a shock. The Italian scored against Crystal Palace on Saturday, following up his two assists to beat Southampton in midweek.

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To see him immediately dropped after being added to the Champions League squad was a blow. Or at least, it looked like one.

Slot actually confirmed in his press conference ahead of the game that Chiesa wasn’t dropped and that the criticism was unfounded. The forward actually picked up a slight knock against Palace and so Liverpool weren’t going to risk him.

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Federico Chiesa to return

Perhaps the most interesting line from Slot is that they decided not to risk Chiesa because they have Chelsea in a few days. That appears to be confirmation that one, Chiesa isn't suffering and two, that Slot does intend to play the Italian once again.

That is far from a given, of course. Chiesa's time at Liverpool has been a wild ride, with barely any appearances last season, seemingly because Slot didn't fancy him.

Everyone expected him to depart in the summer but Chiesa instead decided to change some things in an attempt to win Slot over. There's certainly been a difference - he looks like one of Liverpool's most dangerous players at present.

And Slot believing it's worth preserving him for Chelsea would be the biggest sign yet that it's working. Again, that's the impression the boss gives with his comments - that Chiesa will indeed be a part of the squad to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

We're certainly crossing our fingers.

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