Liverpool fans are seriously concerned after Arne Slot drops update on Federico Chiesa

Liverpool fans have been left concerned after hearing manager Arne Slot's update on Federico Chiesa - particularly after watching his encouraging display against Accrington Stanley.

The Italian winger signed for the Reds from Juventus in the summer but has made just four appearances for his new club.

He suffered a muscle injury after making his first Liverpool start in a Carabao Cup tie against West Ham, and subsequently missed three months of action.

Chiesa's latest appearance was a 45-minute cameo against Southampton, also in the Carabao Cup, last month, and he has been named on Liverpool's bench in three of their last four games.

He extended that streak to four bench appearances in five games for the FA Cup third round clash against Accrington Stanley, but some Reds fans were expecting him to have started the game in order to build up his match fitness.

Instead, Slot opted to select 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha on the left side of attack, with Chiesa once again having to settle for a spot amongst the substitutes.

However, he did appear as a half-time substitute at Anfield - and impressed fans before scoring in the second half in a 4-0 victory.

But his manager's pre-match comments about the £12.5 million signing left Reds supporters worried about Chiesa's future.

He said: "Not only about Federico in terms of playing time, it's to do with others as well.

"We will see in the upcoming weeks and months if he's able to help us, as it's going to be even more intense."

Those comments have sparked speculation that Chiesa could depart Liverpool as early as January - but fans are now urging Slot to keep him at Anfield after his cameo against Accrington.

Federico Chiesa pictured in action for Liverpool against Southampton (Image: Getty)

One wrote: "Slot really should trust Chiesa more now. He'd do even better with better players around him. He can play both sides, not only backing up Mo."

A second said: "Now I'm happy for Chiesa for that goal. Hope Slot fields him more."

A third said: "Wow what a strike from Chiesa, give him game time."

A fourth claimed: "Chiesa does more than Nunez and still doesn't get a game."

And a fifth stated: "Chiesa was I wrong? He deserves to be playing more!"