Federico Chiesa will play a small part in Liverpool’s EFL Cup quarter-final at Southampton tomorrow night.

The Italy international has struggled with injuries and a general lack of fitness since arriving from Juventus in the summer and has made just three appearances, the last of which came in the win over West Ham at Anfield on 25 September.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at the weekend but will feature at St Mary’s.

Arne Slott gives his squad an injury update 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/DL7WHgTUT4

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Reds boss Arne Sloat said: “It’s definitely a moment where he can get minutes. The amount of minutes is the question. You can’t expect him to play 90, I think, especially not at this level, where the intensity is so high because he’s been out for five or six months now. If he has a good training session, he will get minutes.

“If he starts, or comes on and maybe plays in the second half, that’s something we have to make a decision about.”

Diogo Jota will not start after missing training yesterday but Slot indicated that Japan midfielder Wataru Ando will play.

Liverpool’s progress is ‘normal’

Liverpool go into the game with their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to two points but are strong in all three competitions in which they are currently involved.

Asked if he was surprised by Liverpool’s impressive start, Slott said: “I think it’s normal for Liverpool to fight for every trophy and go all the way in every cup for a long time.

“It happened last season when this club won this (EFL Cup) competition. So with the quality we have, it doesn’t surprise me that we are competing for three of these trophies at the moment, and the fourth (FA Cup) starts in January.

“It is a challenge because we have a lot of competition here in other teams as well. In the League Cup, if you look at the other teams that are still in it, none of the teams that are there have an easy path to the final.”

Slott sympathizes with Martin

Liverpool face a Southampton side still reeling from the sacking of head coach Russell Martin on Sunday, shortly after their 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.

Slott sympathized with former Scotland international and Wolves boss Gary O’Neill, who was sacked at the weekend, but accepted results ultimately decide the manager’s future.

He said: ”It is a pity in my opinion. These things happen. Russell Martin did so well for Southampton last season. Played good football (by his side) again this season. We experienced this when we had such a difficult day there. We only beat them 3-2.

“So you’re always sorry if managers don’t get the chance to continue. Especially in these two situations because for me he was a manager who had a good idea of ​​how he wanted his team to play. Unfortunately, they didn’t get enough points – then managers get sacked.”