CHIESA RETURNS
Liverpool have received a welcome boost during the international break with Federico Chiesa back in training after more than a month on the sidelines.
The Italian forward has been recovering from a muscle problem that kept him away from the squad during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Chiesa’s return is particularly important because Liverpool are dealing with several attacking concerns.
Alexander Isak has returned from Sweden duty with a minor thigh problem, while Cody Gakpo is undergoing further checks after suffering an ankle injury with the Netherlands.
That situation has increased the importance of Liverpool’s remaining attacking options.
Chiesa now appears to be moving in the right direction.
The Italian joined Liverpool with huge expectations and has already shown flashes of the pace and direct running that made him such an exciting player.
However, injuries have interrupted his rhythm.
His return to training does not automatically mean he is ready to start competitive matches immediately. Liverpool’s medical team will want him to build his fitness carefully.
Still, seeing him back on the grass is positive news.
With Manchester City coming to Anfield on October 11, Liverpool will need as many attacking options available as possible.
If Chiesa can complete his recovery without another setback, Arne Iraola could soon have another dangerous player available.
For Liverpool supporters, that is the kind of international-break update they wanted.