Federico Chiesa made his much-anticipated return to the pitch on Wednesday night, helping Liverpool secure a 2-1 victory against Southampton to advance to the EFL Cup semi-finals. Chiesa, having been sidelined for nearly three months, came off the bench to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at halftime, and his performance generated both excitement and scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool’s strong first-half display laid the groundwork for their win at St. Mary’s Stadium, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott both scoring before the break. Southampton managed to claw one back through Cameron Archer shortly after the hour mark, but Liverpool held firm to clinch their spot among the last four teams in the competition.
Chiesa's appearance marked a significant milestone; it was his first engagement on the field since September 25, when he last played before facing injury setbacks. Since joining Liverpool on deadline day from Juventus, he had only featured sparingly, totaling just three matches before his return. The Italian winger seemed eager to showcase his abilities but faced the challenges of match fitness and timing.
"If you have been out for five or six months, you cannot expect [to be at your best] straight away," Slot commented following the match. "I saw ups and downs. There were some really good moments and some where I felt he could do more."
Slot’s evaluation reflects the reality many players face upon returning from lengthy injuries, where regaining peak performance quickly can be unrealistic. Chiesa's situation is compounded by his lack of preseason training with Liverpool, as he joined the club just as the window was closing. "To get him back to his best level is not easy, but it was good to see he showed some quality already today," Slot added.
The reaction to Chiesa's performance on social media was painted with contrasting views, as fans oscillated between skepticism and optimism throughout the match. Initially critiquing his early involvement, some fans were quick to label him unfit to play at the level Liverpool demands. Yet, as the game progressed, opinions shifted, with many recognizing Chiesa’s opportunities to contribute more significantly.
One fan tweeted, "If we can keep Chiesa fit, we are winning every competition we are involved in," highlighting the belief many supporters have in his potential. Another chimed in, "Chiesa’s quality is so obvious it’s crazy man," reinforcing the notion of his immense talent if he could remain injury-free.
Despite not finding the back of the net or providing assists during his 45-minute stint, Chiesa had several promising moments. He managed three shots, one of which nearly breached Southampton's defenses before being thwarted by last-ditch heroics from defenders. Nevertheless, the overarching sentiment among the fans was hopeful, with some echoing sentiments like, "Chiesa deserves a goal. Just had two shots cleared off the line."
Despite the mixed reviews on Chiesa's showing, there are undeniable positives to take away from his return. He demonstrated flashes of his renowned skill, particularly during one sequence where he controlled the ball expertly before nutmegging his defender—a moment significant enough to prompt applause even from some Southampton supporters.
Chiesa’s competitive comeback aligns with Liverpool’s ambition for this season, as they aim to contend for multiple trophies, including the Carabao Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League. With teams like Arsenal and Newcastle also advancing to the semi-finals, every player's contribution will be pivotal as Liverpool navigates the busy schedule.
Looking forward, fans remain anxious about Chiesa's role and future within the squad. While Slot has emphasized the need for competitive excellence across the board with stars like Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez leading the charge, many believe Chiesa can offer something unique as he regains his form. Slot has made it clear, though, how challenging it can be to integrate players returning from injury at this level, stating, "The same goes for him, like the youngsters. It's not enough to play at this level; you have to compete with those who are at the top of their game. But it's good to see he's back and had some good moments."
With Liverpool expected to face tougher challenges as the schedule intensifies, Chiesa's fitness and performance will be closely monitored by both Slot and the vast fanbase. The coming weeks will be telling, as supporters hope this match serves as the foundation for more impactful performances from the Italian international.
Wednesday’s outcome not only secures Liverpool's passage to the next phase of the Cup but also provides Chiesa with the opportunity to create momentum as he re-establishes himself on the team. The reception he received indicates strong support, coupled with the collective hope from fans and management alike, for the promising winger’s future.
