Arne Slot ‘gets it wrong’ with Chiesa decision for Liverpool v Bournemouth
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could regret not selecting Federico Chiesa in his squad for the clash with Bournemouth.
The Reds travel to the south coast on 1 February looking to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League to nine points with Arsenal playing Manchester City on Sunday (2 February).
The Italian winger impressed in the 3-2 loss to PSV on Wednesday (29 January) but was not even named on the bench for the clash with the in-form Cherries.
The 25-year-old would have been a lively option from the bench but he will not get the chance to feature after he was left out, despite not being injured or ill. [James Pearce]
Slot could regret Liverpool Chiesa decision
The Reds manager could come to regret his decision depending on results this weekend, if the Reds cannot break the Cherries down and the Gunners beat the defending champions.
In that case, their lead at the top would be reduced to three points although they do have a game in hand, against Everton on Wednesday (12 February).
In the clash against the Dutch outfit, the Italian won a penalty that allowed Slot’s side to open the scoring and also had two shots on target. [Fotmob]
He recorded a 68 per cent pass completion and three passes into the final third in the loss to the Eindhoven side.
The former Juventus man took seven touches in the opposition box and was successful with 60 per cent of his five dribble attempts in an encouraging display.
It may just be a case of managing his fitness after he completed a full 90 minutes for the first time in seven months.
However, it is still a disappointing decision given the directness and determination shown by Chiesa in midweek.
In other Liverpool news, Mohamed Salah could bag an “unbelievable” contract extension amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
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