Liverpool dealt fresh injury blow as Federico Chiesa withdraws from Italy squad
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool forward Federico Chiesa has withdrawn from the Italy squad for the upcoming international breakLiverpool forward Federico Chiesa has withdrawn from the Italy squad for the upcoming international break.Chiesa was recalled to the Azzurri setup for the March round of fixtures by head coach Gennaro Gattuso for what was the Reds attacker's first international call-up since 2024.However, a statement released by the Italian national side on Monday confirmed that they had been in consultation with Liverpool before it was decided that Chiesa will play no part in the upcoming World Cup qualification play-offs.Italy meet Northern Ireland in a semi-final on Thursday and can face either Wales or Bosnia in the final should they progress.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageChiesa, though, won't be part of that squad, with the former Juventus man now set to return to the AXA Training Centre.A statement from the Italian FA read: "Federico Chiesa was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches."In agreement with his club, he has left the squad.
Bologna winger Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement."Chiesa has previously turned down a handful of informal call-ups from Gattuso in an effort to get up to 100% fitness during his time as a Liverpool player.The 28-year-old, who joined the Reds in a £12m deal from Juventus in August 2024 played the final 13 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 loss at Brighton.It's unclear at this stage the nature of Chiesa's latest fitness setback but Arne Slot is already without Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, with both in a race against time to be fit on the other side of the break.Slot confirmed on Friday he expects £125m Isak to be available for the Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain on April 8 while Salah is also looking to return to fitness after missing Saturday's defeat.Hugo Ekitike, who was forced off inside the first 10 minutes at the Amex Stadium, will be cleared for a comeback with Slot confirming the France international suffered a dead leg after a challenge from James Milner.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCLiverpool FC injuriesFederico Chiesa