Federico Chiesa enters a decisive week regarding Liverpool’s interest, while a potential transfer to Inter Milan is also being suggested.

If Federico Chiesa’s name is absent from Liverpool’s squad to face Southampton this week, it will mark over two months since his last appearance for the Reds. While his ongoing absence stems from well-intentioned efforts to aid his recovery, it hasn’t stopped transfer rumors from gaining momentum.

The 27-year-old was Arne Slot’s sole signing in his first transfer window as Liverpool head coach. On one hand, securing a European Championship-winning forward for just £12.5m was a coup. On the other, it represented a gamble, given Chiesa’s recent struggles with injuries.

After brief appearances against AC Milan and Bournemouth, Chiesa made his full debut in the Carabao Cup against West Ham on September 25, his last game for Liverpool.

According to Tuttosport, Inter Milan is now being touted as a potential destination for Chiesa, with the reigning Serie A champions reportedly viewing him as an option to revitalize their title challenge. The Mirror suggests that a move to the San Siro could serve as an “escape route” from his current challenges at Liverpool.

However, Chiesa’s absence isn’t due to a major setback or disciplinary issue. Rather, he’s undergoing a carefully managed process to adjust to the physical demands of the Premier League. After an ACL injury suffered the season after his Euro 2020 triumph, Chiesa has been working to regain the speed and agility that once defined his game.

His participation in the summer Euros shortened his preseason preparation, further complicating his transition to Liverpool. Coaches at the AXA Training Centre are focusing on getting him fully up to speed. For now, his return to action depends on his readiness to meet the intense requirements of English football. Whether these mounting transfer speculations will materialize remains uncertain.