Arne Slot dealt injury BLOW ahead of Man United as Liverpool star EXCLUDED from national team

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was today provided an added injury concern ahead of his side’s mouth-watering meeting with Manchester United.

New signing Federico Chiesa is set to be out for the encounter, with Slot connoting that the forward is not yet fit enough to feature on Sunday.

Speaking to the press earlier today, Slot stated that "we should take care of him in the beginning because he didn't train with the team in the last two weeks – but before he did."

Read more... who could play for Liverpool on Sunday?

“[He] hasn't played many game minutes yet but we have a very good performance staff, so we will build him up in the right way and then hopefully we can see his quality in the near future.”

Slot also spoke on Chiesa's injury record and the likelihood that the Italian international may be forced to miss several games.

“I think it is true he had a long-term injury with his ACL, but for the rest I don't think he had big injuries. Minor injuries like every other player maybe” argued Slot.

“We have a lot of trust in our performance staff and the good thing is he is not the only winger we have. He is one out of four, where some others can play in that position as well.”

“If he is not available at certain moments – not only with him, also the others – then there is still enough players for me to choose.”

Slot will be aware that Chiesa has failed to make the cut for the Italian national team as they announced their squad to face France and Israel in their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The decision made by Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti not to include Chiesa is unclear, however it increases doubts on whether the new signing is up to full fitness ahead of this weekend.

Who else might miss out?

The Reds are also likely to be without Curtis Jones, who picked up an injury in training prior to Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford last week.

Jones was unable to train with the rest of the squad earlier today, rendering him a potential doubt once again.

Speaking after last weekend's victory, Slot was unable to reassure supporters on whether Jones will be able to return in time to face Erik ten Hag’s side.

“It’s going to be close, so we have to wait and see,” Slot revealed.

“It’s always difficult to see how an injury evolves during the upcoming week.”

“He’s not going to be out for a long time, but it’s going to be close for him to be there next week.”

Whilst it is uncertain whether Jones may be fit in time for the trip to Old Trafford, Slot may be forced to make adjustments as he prepares to meet Ten Hag in England for the first time