'It's useless' - National manager speaks out after new Liverpool injury emerges
Federico Chiesa injury update after the Liverpool forward pulls out of Italy duty.
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has explained why Federico Chiesa has pulled out of international duty.
The forward was called up to the Azzuri’s squad for the first time in two years. Chiesa had turned down opportunities to return to Italy’s set-up previously.
But after linking up with his team-mates, having featured off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, Chiesa was assessed by Italy’s medical staff. The country subsequently released a statement that the former Juventus man would not be involved in the World Cup play-off qualifier semi-final against Northern Ireland.
Gattuso said via Italian Football TV: “All players are different. He didn’t feel up to it, he went back home and I have to accept that. If a player tells me he’s not feeling well and is convinced of that, it’s useless to keep insisting.”
In a press conference, Gattuso also said: "Chiesa was called up yesterday, but he had a minor physical problem, and we decided not to include him in the squad.”
Liverpool will hope that Chiesa has avoided a serious injury given the lack of options they have in the final third. Alexander Isak is still recovering from a broken leg, with the £125 million British record signing absent for three months. Isak is close to returning to team training but will need to be managed carefully.
Mo Salah was missing against Brighton because of a groin issue and could face a race against time to be fit to face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday 4 April.