Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike get fitness update ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea
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Liverpool’s injury list is starting to grow, with two more players coming off during Tuesday’s defeat to Galatasaray.Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike both exited in the second half, adding to what was already a tough night for the Reds in Istanbul.Alisson is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, starting with Saturday’s match against Chelsea.Liverpool need a result at Stamford Bridge if they are going to stay on top of the Premier League table. Only a win will do it for them this weekend.In addition to losing Alisson, Ekitike also went off later in the half.
Federico Chiesa is now also a fitness concern ahead of their next match.Ekitike appeared to suffer a hamstring problem. With just two days before the Chelsea game, updates have since come through on both the Frenchman and the Italian winger.Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike in contention for Chelsea clashPhoto by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty ImagesSupporters were caught off guard on Tuesday when Chiesa was not named in the Liverpool squad that travelled to Istanbul.Arne Slot later clarified that the former Juventus star had picked up a slight knock before the trip, and the decision was made to leave him behind as a precaution.The Daily Mail reported that they had not received any information suggesting Chiesa was injured.
Still, taking Slot at his word, they believe the 27-year-old’s issue is minor and expect him to be available for selection this weekend against Chelsea.Chiesa is also reportedly in line for a return to Italy’s national team, assuming his current problem does not worsen.Elsewhere, The Mail noted that Ekitike’s injury does not appear serious. The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt forward reportedly hopes to be fit for the match against Chelsea, with cramp thought to be the reason behind his substitution on Tuesday night.Jayden Danns picks up another injuryWhile the outlook is encouraging for both Chiesa and Ekitike, things are not looking as good for two of Liverpool’s young forwards.Danns has dealt with injuries throughout his early career, and now the 19-year-old is facing yet another one.He had just returned to action with an appearance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup but was forced off again during an Under-21 match soon after.READ MORE: £35m Liverpool star is being unfairly treated by the fans, says Rio FerdinandThe Mail reports that Liverpool are still waiting on details about the severity of Danns’ latest issue and how long he might be out.In addition, summer signing Will Wright is reportedly expected to miss around two months due to a knee injury picked up recently.