Latest Update on Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota’s Availability

Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota may make their return to the Liverpool squad this weekend.

Both forwards have been sidelined since September and October, but they are now back in training with their teammates.

Liverpool will host Fulham in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, and Chiesa and Jota could be part of the squad.

Head coach Arne Slot commented during his pre-match press conference: “I think they are [available].”

“We have one training session to go. Federico missed quite a lot for a long time, was ill last week, so we have to wait and see how he is exactly doing. But maybe Diogo is in the squad and maybe Federico as well, but that depends a bit on the numbers we have and also how he recovered from his illness.”

Regarding Chiesa’s progress towards match fitness, Slot said: “What makes it difficult is that we play so many games. What he needs is playing time, and the problem is if you haven’t played for five or six months, it is sometimes difficult for a manager to give him his first minutes, because you don’t exactly know what you can expect. Yes, I see him on the training ground, but ideally, you see him in a friendly during the week or you see him in an U21 game or something like this – but that is not the situation we have, we play so many games.”

“Maybe the Southampton game might be a good moment for him to get some playing minutes and then we know a bit better what we can expect from him. Of course, we see his qualities, we know his qualities, but he needs to get this fitness level. If you only have training sessions, that is not the same as playing time. You need to have playing time to reach certain fitness levels. But if you are competing for the league and competing in the Champions League, it’s not always easy to find these minutes, unless we are sometimes 4-0 or 5-0 up.”

“But for the whole season, I think it was only once, against Bournemouth at home 3-0 up at half-time, for the rest it’s been a struggle or a fight until the last second of every game.”

More news…..

Exclusive news: Arsenal and Liverpool tracking Brazilian winger for possible transfer

Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on highly-rated Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec of LA Galaxy, according to sources who spoke with CaughtOffside.

Both clubs, along with several other Premier League teams, have had scouts monitoring Pec, who is emerging as an exciting young prospect.

The 23-year-old has caught attention with his performances in the MLS, leading to interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Wolves, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Napoli.

While Pec is being considered as a potential future target for top clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, it is still uncertain whether they will make a move for him in the near future.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the South American talent is one to watch, and if he continues to impress with his form in the US, top clubs are likely to show interest in signing him.

Could Gabriel Pec be a surprise solution for Arsenal and Liverpool?

Pec could eventually offer something different for Arsenal’s attack, especially with Mikel Arteta facing a shortage of options in that area.

The Gunners often rely heavily on Bukayo Saka to create opportunities up front, but Pec could provide an alternative or even an upgrade on inconsistent players like Gabriel Martinelli. Moreover, loan signing Raheem Sterling is unlikely to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond this season.

Liverpool, too, might want to explore new attacking options as Mohamed Salah’s contract nears its end, and Diogo Jota has struggled with injuries.

Although the Reds would need a truly exceptional player to replace someone of Salah’s caliber, Pec has the potential to become a key player for a club of Liverpool’s stature in the future.