Slot: Liverpool ‘don’t have’ Salah replacement due to Chiesa injuries

Arne Slot says Federico Chiesa is ‘getting back’, but Liverpool lack a replacement for Mohamed Salah due to the Italian winger’s struggles with injuries.

Premier League leaders Liverpool return to action on Wednesday, visiting Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Slot previewed the game at a press conference on Tuesday, providing an update on Italy international Chiesa.

“Federico has had a difficult start because of injuries, so we don’t really have a replacement for Salah,” said the Dutch coach, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.

Slot: Liverpool ‘don’t have’ Salah replacement due to Chiesa injuries

“But Harvey Elliott is getting fitter and fitter and has played this position before. I am not worried his numbers will drop off, but more about an injury.

“Federico is also training with us again. He is getting back and Harvey is getting back, but the best thing that can happen to us is Mo stays fit and keeps producing these numbers.”

Chiesa joined Liverpool on a permanent transfer from Juventus last summer. He was not part of Thiago Motta’s plans at the Allianz Stadium, so he missed the entire pre-season with the Bianconeri.

Chiesa has provided one assist in three Liverpool appearances this term and is expected to return to action this month.

The Azzurri star hasn’t played for the national team since last summer’s Euros, but Spalletti has said that he and his staff keep monitoring the ex-Fiorentina and Juventus star.