Arne Slot has cautioned Federico Chiesa that a starting spot at Liverpool is far from guaranteed, highlighting the significant challenge the Italian forward faces.

Chiesa, who joined from Juventus for £10.6 million in August, has struggled to find his footing at Anfield. Despite being Liverpool’s sole first-team signing last summer, he has logged just 105 minutes across four appearances, leading to speculation in Italy about a potential return to Serie A.

Slot, while praising Chiesa’s qualities, suggested that factors such as competition and adaptation have limited his opportunities. He indicated that Liverpool’s upcoming FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley could be seen as an opportunity for Chiesa but also hinted at including academy prospects Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumha in the squad, making it clear that assumptions shouldn’t be made about starting roles.

The Liverpool manager acknowledged the towering presence of Mo Salah on the right flank, emphasizing that Chiesa must meet the high standards set by the Egyptian forward.

“Every game is a chance for every player to get some playing time,” Slot said, adding that he is optimistic about Jarrell Quansah’s availability after the defender dealt with illness during the defeat to Tottenham.

Arne Slot has warned Federico Chiesa there is no guarantee of starting opportunities

Slot says there are no guarantees Federico Chiesa will start against Accrington Stanley

‘It has not only been difficult for (Chiesa) for all the things you just said in terms of match fitness, it is also that he has to compete with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah – and everybody here knows the numbers that Mo brings in.

‘There are not many times or reasons to take Mo out during a game or before a game. He is also so fit. I’ve said many times before he was the fittest player who came back for pre-season and he does everything every single day to keep his match fitness and he wants to play every single game.’

Stressing the point, Slot continued: ‘He shows up every single game. So it is not only about Federico when we are talking about his limited playing time. It is also about the others. But in terms of Federico, he has to deal with the way he came in late start to pre-season.

‘The rest were already training a lot so we had to bring him up in terms of match fitness. It’s a combination of reasons why he didn’t play that much but let’s wait and see in the coming weeks and months if he is able to help us – the second half of the season is even more important than the first.’

On the potential of Nyoni and Ngumha being involved, Slot said: ‘Trey has been in the squad many times already, I think Rio was in once – Southampton away – but these players are doing really well and doing well when they play with the under-21s.

‘So as long as they keep doing that the chances of them getting their moment in the first team will increase of course.’