Liverpool will be without forward Federico Chiesa for their upcoming Champions League clash against Bologna on Wednesday due to an injury sustained in training on Monday. Chiesa, who joined the Reds from Juventus late in the transfer window, has only played 68 minutes across three matches for the club.
Despite Chiesa’s absence, manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota is available after a minor setback. Jota, who missed the recent open training session, is expected to be fit for the match at Anfield. Another boost for Liverpool comes in the form of Darwin Nunez, who has recovered from the illness that saw him miss the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League after six rounds, made a strong start to their Champions League campaign with a victory over AC Milan. The Reds are enjoying a dominant season under Slot, who has secured seven victories in eight matches since replacing Jurgen Klopp. A win against Bologna would see Slot become the first manager in Liverpool’s history to win eight of his first nine games in charge.
Despite the positive start, Slot is not resting on his laurels. The Dutchman has emphasized the need for improvement, highlighting several aspects of the Wolves victory that he was not happy with. He stated, “We, as a team, if you have so much quality, you cannot accept mediocrity. You have to ask from yourself every second of the day, every second of the game, the highest standards that this shirt brings. I and we as a staff have to set those standards very clear and that last 15 minutes when we lost the ball so many times in promising positions or moments that could lead to promising positions is maybe not acceptable.”
Slot’s message of striving for excellence was further emphasized by his comment, “I don’t lose my temper that much, I don’t think it is a good idea to lose your temper every single day because it doesn’t work. But the positive thing is that maybe I don’t accept mediocrity but these players themselves don’t accept it as well.” With a formidable attacking line and a manager pushing for constant improvement, Liverpool will be looking to continue their winning streak and make a strong statement in the Champions League against Bologna.
