Federico Chiesa is set to make his first Liverpool start in tomorrow night’s EFL Cup third-round clash with West Ham at Anfield.
The Italy international, a summer signing from Juventus, made his debut in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth as a second-half substitute but is likely to be named in the starting XI as Arne Slot rotates his side for the visit of the Hammers.
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Slot said: “I don’t think he is able to play 90 minutes. He has only played 25 minutes in the last three or five months. I don’t think he’s played any friendlies at Juventus as well, but he’s able to start in our opinion.”
Caoimhin Kelleher will conținue in goal in place of the injured Alisson, although the Brazil international could return at the weekend.
“Caoimhin will be in goal on Wednesday,” Slot added. “Alisson is getting there but I think this game has come a bit too early. We’re looking at this weekend with the game against Wolves, but it’s looking a bit tight.
“We will play with the best possible team, which means that players who are a bit more tired from playing a lot might mean I select different players, but they will come in today and I’ll make the decision.”
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Slot would love to retain trophy
Liverpool won the EFL Cup last season – their last trophy under Jurgen Klopp – and Slot admits he would love to repeat the feat.
“Not only fans love winning trophies, players and managers love it as well,” he said. “We would all love to win something but that’s far away. We have to win this game tomorrow, and like I said it’s a tough one against West Ham.
“I know the history of this club, I know what happened last year and how special winning a cup can be.
“We have a difficult tie against West Ham, but it’s a game to look forward to.”
