Liverpool have suffered a fresh injury setback after head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed Federico Chiesa is currently unavailable.
The Italian forward missed the Reds’ Premier League opener against Newcastle United last Sunday and will also sit out the upcoming meeting with Nottingham Forest as he continues his recovery.
Chiesa’s absence removes another attacking option from Iraola’s squad at a time when Liverpool are still working to strengthen their wide areas before the transfer window closes.
The 28-year-old picked up the problem during Liverpool’s pre-season campaign against Como. According to Iraola, the issue is a small muscle injury affecting the back of Chiesa’s leg.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Iraola provided a brief but clear update on the forward’s condition.
“Fede is not available in the [pre-season] game against Como he felt something at the back and it’s a small muscle injury. He is not available.”
The Reds boss did not provide a specific return date, meaning Chiesa’s recovery will be monitored over the coming days. For Liverpool, the timing is less than ideal.
Chiesa arrived at Liverpool with plenty of expectations after making the move from Juventus, but his progress has been disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities.
Now, with Liverpool attempting to establish a new attacking identity under Iraola, another spell on the sidelines could delay his involvement.
His absence is particularly significant given Liverpool’s current situation on the wings.
The club are actively looking to add another wide attacker before the transfer deadline, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola reportedly their major target.
Liverpool’s interest in strengthening the position means competition for attacking places is already expected to increase.
However, Chiesa’s injury leaves Iraola with one fewer option in the immediate term.
Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Newcastle, with Cody Gakpo among the scorers.
The Reds will now turn their attention to Nottingham Forest, but Iraola will have to prepare without Chiesa.
There is no indication from the manager that the injury is considered a major long-term problem.
However, muscle injuries can require careful management, particularly for players returning to competitive action after pre-season.
Liverpool will therefore be reluctant to rush Chiesa back before he is fully ready. The immediate priority will be recovery.
Chiesa will continue his rehabilitation while Liverpool assess how quickly he can return to team training. Until then, Iraola must find alternative solutions in the wide areas.
With the transfer window approaching its final days, Liverpool’s recruitment plans could become even more important.
For now, Chiesa is unavailable, Liverpool need more options out wide, and Iraola has another selection problem to solve.
The Reds will hope the Italian’s injury proves to be only a short-term setback.
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