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The player in question is Federico Chiesa, whom many Liverpool fans had expected to have moved on by the start of the new Premier League season.

Yet, with fewer than 48 hours until Arne Slot's team kicks off its title defence at home against Bournemouth on Friday, it seems almost certain that Chiesa will be where he spent much of his debut season for the Anfield side - warming the bench.

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Last season, Chiesa only made 14 appearances for Liverpool, 10 of which were as a substitute.

He was also left unused on the bench 17 times.

The Italian found himself once again sidelined at Wembley on Sunday, being the only senior outfield player not given any game time as the Reds lost to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on penalties.

Slot's decision not to utilize Chiesa was even more puzzling considering that, after new signing Hugo Ekitike was substituted with 20 minutes left, Liverpool was left without a center-forward, handing the initiative to Palace.

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of course we have Federico but he has not been on the Asian tour as well, so there's not a lot to replace him with," said the Reds boss.

"So, if he gets an injury at this moment of time, that would be a big risk for the Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Arsenal games."

Admittedly, Chiesa had missed the Asia tour due to a minor concern

But he appeared in the opening two friendlies - finding the net against Stoke City - before getting 33 minutes in the key friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield last week.

Indeed, if Chiesa required additional match fitness, then a substitute appearance at Wembley - where, it should be remembered, he scored in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle in March - would have appeared a perfect chance.

Regarding squad depth, Slot is justified in his worries, given Liverpool remains light in attack, having only brought in Ekitike so far this summer

Chiesa is required.

Italian media reports have suggested throughout the summer that Chiesa would favor a return to Italy, with Atalanta amongst several interested parties, in a bid to secure regular playing time and an opportunity to earn his way back into his nation's World Cup squad, should the Italians qualify for next summer's competition.

Yet the most recent suggestions in recent days have indicated that Liverpool is hesitant to sell as it would leave them lacking attacking alternatives, despite Chiesa remaining so infrequently used
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