Arne Slot said Federico Chiesa is still not fit to start for Liverpool despite including the Italian forward in his squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against AC Milan at the San Siro.

Chiesa, 26, completed a £10million move from Juventus to Liverpool in the final week of the summer transfer window last month, becoming the sole addition to Slot’s squad following the departure of former manager Jurgen Klopp last season.

Liverpool also signed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Georgian international was immediately loaned back to Valencia.

Former Fiorentina man Chiesa has struggled with a series of serious injuries since helping Italy triumph at Euro 2020 in 2021. He arrived at Anfield having played his last competitive match in Italy’s Euro 2024 elimination against Switzerland in July.

Liverpool manager Slot said that while Chiesa could make his debut against Milan, he would be best served by a late substitute appearance.

“He (Chiesa) is in our team selection for the first time,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference in Milan. “And since I said it’s the first time he’s in the squad, it would be a big surprise for him and for everyone if he starts tomorrow.

“So I don’t think you can expect him to start, but he could play a few minutes tomorrow for the first time if we need him and that’s something we’ll see.

“But don’t expect him to be in the starting line-up. He’s been with Juve for a while, training independently and has been with us for a few weeks now.

“He’s had some training time, but it’s too early for him to play 90 minutes. Hopefully he can get his first minutes in the next few games.”

Despite Chiesa’s current problematic condition, Slot said he can still make an impact for Liverpool when fully fit.

“I always like to bring in quality players and I think he’s a quality player who combines quality with a tremendous work ethic,” Slot said. “The culture of this club and the culture of this team is to work very hard when we don’t have the ball.

“And I think he brings that to his game in combination with scoring goals and being able to play in multiple positions in attack.”