Arne Slot has dropped a tantalizing hint ahead of the Merseyside derby, suggesting that Federico Chiesa could be in line for a crucial role against Everton this Sunday. With Liverpool's attacking ranks looking thin, the Italian winger might be the wildcard Slot turns to.

The Reds' frontline has been dealt a significant blow, with Hugo Ekitike ruled out long-term after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. To compound matters, Alexander Isak, who made his first start since returning from a broken leg in that same match, is still building his match fitness and lasted only 45 minutes.

In his pre-derby press conference, Slot confirmed that the club-record signing Isak isn't yet ready for a full 90 minutes, leaving a potential void up front. This opens the door for tactical ingenuity, and the Liverpool boss pointed directly at Chiesa as a possible solution.

"There are different options to play as a No.9," Slot stated. "Federico Chiesa is also one of them." This suggests the dynamic Italian, traditionally a wide forward, could be deployed through the middle in a makeshift role, adding a new layer of unpredictability to Liverpool's attack for one of the season's most intense fixtures.

With Jayden Danns also unavailable, Slot's options are limited, making Chiesa's potential shift to centre-forward a fascinating subplot for a derby that always demands heroes. It's a tactical gamble that could define the match, showcasing the adaptability required to compete at the highest level.