How Federico Chiesa May Benefit From Hugo Ekitike Red Card For Liverpool vs Southampton

Federico Chiesa could finally be given a run in Liverpool’s starting XI after Hugo Ekitike’s immaturity vs Southampton earlier this week.

The French forward was shown a second yellow card and then a red following his winning goal in the Carabao Cup against the Saints on Tuesday evening.

Alexander Isak had opened the scoring with his first goal for his new club before Shea Charles levelled for the visitors with around 15 minutes of the action to go.

Ekitike would step up and slam home the winner at Anfield to seal his side’s passage to the next round, but what followed would be a moment of madness from the 23-year-old who had already been booked earlier in the match.

He tugged his jersey over his head and took it off to show off his name in celebration. And that was when he was booked by the referee and sent for an early bath.

Federico Chiesa Liverpool stats could receive boost with Hugo Ekitike suspended

Teammate Jeremie Frimpong was caught on camera moaning at his teammate for the incident and it left a bitter taste in manager Arne Slot’s mouth, too.

But with Ekitike now suspended it leaves a spot in the starting XI for Slot to fill and that is where Chiesa could potentially come to the fore.

The Italian had the chance to leave Liverpool earlier this summer with Celtic among the clubs interested in a possible loan for the creative playmaker.

Slot explained at the time how Chiesa may not be given the minutes he was looking for in the team but that the player had always shown true professionalism and a strong work ethic.

He left the door open for Chiesa to show what he can do and the 27-year-old has indeed benefited from that with outings this season against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal and Burnley.

How many matches will Ekitike miss?

In the Premier League, those outings were merely cameo appearances with a goal against the Cherries for good measure.

But in the Saints clash, Chiesa played the full 90 minutes and provided an assist while also being close to chipping in with another late on.

And with Ekitike out of action for the coming Crystal Palace clash through suspension, Chiesa could well be chucked in again from the start should Slot look to make changes to his set-up.

Ekitike – suspended for one game – may be a slightly more conventional forward but Isak will take that spot.

But Chiesa could start in the wide area in a bid to create for his teammates. Take his chance in a starting spot for a second match in a row and Slot may have some decisions to make regarding the international.