Chiesa prepares the return of the reds

Federico Chiesa will play some role in Liverpool’s EFL Cup quarter-final at Southampton tomorrow night.

The Italy international has battled injuries and a widespread lack of form since his summer move from Juventus and has made just three appearances, the last of which came on 25 September in the win against West Ham at Anfield.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at the weekend but will play a role at St. Mary’s.

Arne Slot gives an injury update on his team 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/DL7WHgTUT4

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Reds boss Arne Slot said: “It’s definitely a time where he can get minutes. The amount of minutes is the question. You can’t expect him to play 90, I think, especially not at this level, where the intensity is so high because he has been low for five or six months. If he trains well he will have minutes.

“If he starts, or comes in and maybe plays the second half, that’s something we’ll have to make a decision on.”

Diogo Jota will not start after missing training yesterday, but Slot hinted that Japan midfielder Wataru Endo will play.

Liverpool’s progress ‘normal’

Liverpool go into the game having cut their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points, but remain strong in all three competitions they are currently involved in.

Asked if he had been surprised by Liverpool’s impressive start, Slot said: “I think it’s normal for Liverpool to fight for every trophy and be in every cup for a long time to get to the end.

“That happened last season when this club won this competition (EFL Cup). So I’m not surprised at the quality we have to compete at the moment for these three trophies, and the fourth (the FA Cup) starts in January .

“It’s a challenge because we have a lot of competition here also in other teams. In the League Cup, if you look at the other teams that are still there, none of the teams that are there will have an easy path to the final.”

Slot has sympathy for Martin

Liverpool face a Southampton side on Sunday still reeling from the sacking of head coach Russell Martin, shortly after their 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.

Slot expressed sympathy for former Scotland international and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, who was also sacked at the weekend, but accepted results ultimately decide a manager’s fate.

He said: “It’s a shame in my opinion. These things happen. Russell Martin did very well last season with Southampton. This season again (his team) played good football. We experienced that when we had such a tough day there we only beat them 3-2.

“So you’re always sorry if managers don’t get the chance to continue. Especially in those two situations because for me they were managers who had a good idea of ​​how they wanted to play with their team. Unfortunately they couldn’t get enough points; then the coaches were fired.”