Journalist explains what Federico Chiesa was doing in training today before Liverpool play Real Madrid

Today at 09:00 AM

Liverpool return to action in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Real Madrid the visitors at Anfield.

The Reds are in terrific form heading into the game and will be once again looking for revenge against the European champions.

Disappointingly, Liverpool were knocked out by Real in four of Jurgen Klopp’s Champions League campaigns with the club, including losing two finals.

While Wednesday’s League Phase match is not quite as important, the Reds will still be looking to press home their lead at the top of the table.

Unfortunately, they are going to have to do that while carrying one or two injury issues. Alisson Becker did not train on Tuesday and the Brazilian remains one of Liverpool’s high profile absentees.

Meanwhile, there was still room for some good news, as Trent Alexander-Arnold returned and Federico Chiesa even played some part, too.

Federico Chiesa joins full training for Liverpool

Chiesa has not been seen in a matchday squad for Liverpool since September’s meeting with Wolves.

Since then, the 27-year-old has seemingly been working on an individual fitness plan so as to get fully up to speed with what Arne Slot wants from him.

Chiesa was spotted in training ahead of Liverpool’s game against Southampton on Sunday but did not look to be involved with the full squad just yet.

That changed on Friday, when footage emerged of the Italian doing some work with the full group.

READ MORE: Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas set for spell out injured after picking up issue in training

Fast forward to Tuesday, and according to journalist James Pearce, Chiesa was once again seen with the Liverpool squad during their full practice.

“As expected, Alisson/Jota still missing, along with Tsimikas, who picked up an ankle injury in training before the weekend,” Pearce updated.

“Chiesa joined up with the main squad after initially doing some individual work.”

Will Federico Chiesa play against Real Madrid?

Although Chiesa being involved with the main squad for much of Tuesday’s session is good news, it seems unlikely that he’s ready to play just yet.

That the former Juventus winger still performed some individual fitness work before the practice is telling.

Once we see Chiesa involved right from the start, that’s when he’s likely to be considered as a genuine option for Slot.

Given the quick turnaround from Wednesday to Sunday, it is perhaps unlikely at this point that we’ll see Chiesa either in midweek or against Man City at the weekend.

From there, it seems a possibility that the winger could be considered for Newcastle or Everton the following week.

Either way, Fede is getting closer and it’s fantastic to see.