Liverpool Eye Chiesa as Salah‘s AFCONโข Cover, January Plan Solidifies
Liverpool are poised too utilize Federico Chiesa as key cover โฃfor Mohamed Salah during his โขupcoming absence for โฃthe Africa Cup โofโ nations,โ running from December 21 to January 18. The plan, initially conceived when Chiesa joined from Juventus last summer, sees the Italian forward potentially stepping into a more prominent role while Salah represents Egypt.
While Jeremie frimpongโข was previously considered a likely replacement, analysis suggests Chiesa is a moreโ natural fit as an attacking option. Frimpong, โฃdespite his versatility, is viewed as more suited to a wing-back position. Hugo Ekitike’s versatility alsoโ offers anโข option, but may be โคrequired elsewhere in the squad. Cody Gakpo, though currently favored โon the left flank, previously filled the right wing role during Salah’s prior AFCON participation.
Chiesa’s opportunitiesโข haveโค been limited โขas his arrival, but he has demonstrated the ability to positively impact matches this season. Manager โArne Slot โฃis expected to provide Chiesa with increased playing time in the coming months, offering him a chance to prove his capabilitiesโค as Salah’s understudy.
Despite this readiness, the article notes Salah is expected to regainโค his โคform quickly, having recently scoredโข twice for Egypt. Liverpool will undoubtedly feel his absence during the โtournament, but the emergence of Chiesaโค as a viable option provides a strengthened contingency โฃplan.
