Federico Chiesa out after training on Friday as Arne Slot makes two Liverpool changes for West Ham

Arne Slot has named his Liverpool XI for the clash with West Ham in the Premier League

Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa is close to his return to Liverpool(Picture: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Luis Diaz replaces Darwin Nunez up top as Arne Slot makes just one change for Liverpool’s visit to West Ham United. The Reds are aiming to go nine ahead of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and 10 ahead of Chelsea ahead of the London clubs’ respective games on Monday and Wednesday.

Nunez drops to the bench after starting in the 3-1 win against Leicester City on Boxing Day, but Slot have declined the chance to hand Diogo Jota his first start since October 20, preferring to name Diaz in a more central role on London Stadium.

Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for the game in the capital, so Curtis Jones retains his place in the midfield trio after his goal-scoring exploits against the Foxes on December 26. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister complete the engine room.

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Andy Robertson keeps his place at left-back alongside Joe Gomez, captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right. Alisson Becker is in goal.

A strong bench this evening sees Slot able to call on Jota, Nunez and Federico Chiesa for his options going forward, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo waiting in the wings in midfield spots if required.

Jayden Danns is named on the bench with Federico Chiesa out, while there is also room for James McConnell. It is unclear whether Chiesa has suffered an injury setback, but it is understood the Italy international trained as normal on Friday.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Elliott, Nunez, Danns, Jota, Quansah, Tsimikas, McConnell.