When Will Federico Chiesa Make His Liverpool Return? | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa’s Return Date: What it Means for Liverpool’s Forward Line

Liverpool’s game against Newcastle on Wednesday underscored the growing concern regarding player fatigue within the squad. As the Reds embark on a challenging run through the festive period, which will demand energy and resilience, the need for squad rotation and reinforcements becomes even more apparent. Among those who could make a significant impact is Federico Chiesa, whose return to full fitness and match sharpness is eagerly awaited.

Injury Woes and the Need for Fresh Legs

Since the season’s commencement in August, Liverpool have been relentless in their pursuit of success across multiple competitions. However, the Reds have been burdened by a series of injury setbacks, particularly in their forward line. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa, two key attacking players, have barely featured this season, with just 13 combined appearances between them. This lack of depth has led to increased strain on the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez.

Chiesa, in particular, has been out of action since late September, with only three appearances to his name. Having sustained injuries in the past, the Italian winger’s recovery process has been carefully managed by Liverpool’s medical team. With Chiesa now back in training for several weeks, his return could provide much-needed support for Liverpool’s attacking options. However, the key question remains: when will Chiesa be fit enough to play for the senior squad again?

Photo: IMAGO

Chiesa’s Return: When Will He Be Ready?

Despite being back in first-team training, Liverpool have taken a cautious approach with Chiesa’s rehabilitation. Given his injury history, the club is keen to avoid rushing him back into action too soon. However, match fitness is essential for any player, and while Chiesa featured for 60 minutes with the U21s this week, he will need more game time to get up to speed with the demands of Premier League football.

According to journalist Paul Gorst, Liverpool fans may not have to wait much longer for Chiesa’s return to the first team. Speaking on The Redmen TV, Gorst suggested that the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton on December 18 could be a realistic target for Chiesa’s senior comeback. “Is it too soon for him to play against Girona? Maybe, sadly,” Gorst said, “But maybe that Southampton game he might have circled as his big comeback.”

While the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton may come too early for Chiesa, the timing of the Southampton match presents a more likely opportunity. As Gorst rightly points out, Liverpool’s immediate need is not just for Chiesa to get back to fitness, but also for rotation to preserve the fitness of the existing squad players.

Chiesa’s Impact on Liverpool’s Forward Line

Liverpool’s squad depth will be crucial in the coming weeks as they face a packed fixture schedule. The attacking trio of Gakpo, Núñez, and Diaz have been rotated successfully, but their workload has been heavy, especially during this busy period. Mohamed Salah, while in scintillating form, cannot be expected to perform at his peak without proper rest. Chiesa’s arrival in August was expected to provide much-needed rotation, particularly in easing the pressure on Salah.

Photo: IMAGO

Chiesa’s return would bring a versatile and dynamic option to the forward line. He can play across multiple attacking roles, offering Liverpool flexibility and depth, which will be essential for maintaining their high standards across all competitions. With the Reds sitting at the top of the Premier League, the last thing they need is for fatigue to lead to a key injury, especially to a player as irreplaceable as Salah.

As Gorst suggests, it’s time for Chiesa to be integrated into the first team when ready, to prevent further strain on the squad. If Chiesa can stay fit, Liverpool could have a potent attacking force that offers both quality and depth. The 2024-25 season, after a slow start, could be the one where Chiesa finally shines for the Reds.

Conclusion

Federico Chiesa’s return to fitness is eagerly awaited at Liverpool, and the club’s handling of his rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring he can make an impact when required. With a packed schedule on the horizon, Chiesa’s presence could offer crucial support in attack, particularly in helping to manage the workload of Mohamed Salah and the rest of the forward line. As Liverpool push for the Premier League title, the need for squad rotation and fresh legs will be more important than ever, and Chiesa’s return could be just the boost the Reds need.