Arne Slot reveals the reason for Federico Chiesa's latest Liverpool absence - as the Italian's stuttering Premier League start continues with just 18 MINUTES played all season
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Arne Slot revealed why Federico Chiesa did not feature in his matchday squad as Liverpool thrashed Spurs in a nine-goal thriller on Sunday. In the Dutchman's first transfer window in charge at Anfield, Chiesa became the only major arrival of the summer as he joined from Juventus in a deal worth an initial £10million at the end of August.
![[Slot's side ran riot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing a 6-3 win to remain top of the table]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/13/93493553-0-image-a-2_1735218160672.jpg)
Despite the lack of new arrivals, Slot has immediately set about molding the team he inherited to his style of play and has enjoyed immediate success. Liverpool currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League and sit atop the revamped Champions League league phase.
![[The Dutchman added Chiesa is getting closer to a return after an injury-hit start to life at Anfield]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/13/93493569-0-image-a-3_1735218162615.jpg)
A 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September marks the only time Slot has tasted defeat in a competitive fixture since taking the reins. However, despite being lauded as a 'bargain' upon arrival, Chiesa has yet to share in the success on the pitch at Anfield.
![[Chiesa's only Premier League appearance to date came as a late substitute against Bournemouth in September]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/13/93493575-0-image-a-4_1735218249052.jpg)
Arne Slot has revealed an unspecified illness kept Federico Valverde out in Liverpool's win over Spurs. Slot's side ran riot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing a 6-3 win to remain top of the table. The Dutchman added Chiesa is getting closer to a return after an injury-hit start to life at Anfield.
Asked about Chiesa's latest absence, Slot revealed that an unspecified illness kept the Italy international out of the team that defeated Tottenham to remain top of the table at Christmas. 'Sick. Ill,' the Liverpool manager explained. 'Unfortunately for him because he had some minutes against Southampton.
