Federico Chiesa will make his return to first-team action when Liverpool face Southampton, Arne Slot has confirmed. The 27-year-old winger joined the Reds in a cut-price deal back in the summer transfer window but has struggled for regular game time. He has not made an appearance for Liverpool since September due to fitness issues.
Slot's men head into Wednesday night's meeting with managerless Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as red-hot favourites and will mix things up in terms of their team selection - something the Dutchman confirmed himself. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot said of Chiesa: "You can expect him to get minutes. He won't get 90. It is a game where not all our starters will start. We have to balance. He will make minutes. If he starts or comes on, we have to decide today.".
Slot also confirmed that Liverpool's No.2 goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, will return to the starting line-up against the Saints. He had impressed in recent matches in the Premier League while deputising for the injured Alisson, who has since been restored to the team by Slot.
Chiesa's return to first-team action will come as boost to both the player and fans, who have been eager to see more of their new signing. And it could also help put a stop to rumours that the winger is already considering his future at Anfield following reports that he was being lined up by Italian clubs for a loan move in January.
