RICO WARRIOR

Chiesa's graft opens door to more regular Reds role

- By Paul Gorst

IF FEDERICO CHIESA is a testament to the old maxim of hard work bringing luck, there can at least be an acceptance that the Liverpool man has benefitted from a stroke of fortune this week.

Had Hugo Ekitike not foolishly opted to remove his shirt in celebration when already on a booking against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, then Chiesa might once more find himself with his nose pressed up to the glass when the Premier League champions travel to Crystal Palace today.

But having been left out of last week's match-day squad for the 2-1 win against Everton in the Merseyside derby last weekend, Chiesa now is expected to feature for Arne Slot's team at Selhurst Park, deputising for Ekitike while the Frenchman learns the error of his ways.

The ACL tear for Giovanni Leoni against Saints has also opened the door for Chiesa to return to the fold in the Champions League, with the now lies in wait, with the former Juventus man set for minutes off the bench in south London as Alexander Isak finds his way to full fitness.