Chiesa injury update at Liverpool worrying for Italy fans

Italy winger Federico Chiesa is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury playing for Liverpool on Tuesday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off in tears after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the first half of his side's pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig.

Chiesa injury update at Liverpool worrying for Italy fans

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed after the game that Chiesa would be out for "a long time" and the player himself later posted on social media that he feared he would miss the World Cup in Qatar, which starts in November. Chiesa is a key member of the Italy squad and his absence would be a major blow to their chances.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini will be sweating on the fitness of Chiesa, who is one of the most exciting young players in Europe. The Azzurri have been drawn in a tough group at the World Cup, facing England, Iran and the United States, and they will need Chiesa at his best if they are to progress to the knockout rounds.

Chiesa has been in impressive form for Liverpool since joining the club from Juventus in January. He has scored two goals in three games and has quickly become a fan favourite at Anfield. However, his injury is a major setback for both club and country.

Chiesa is expected to undergo surgery on his knee in the coming days, and the full extent of his injury will not be known until after the operation. However, it is clear that he will be out for a significant period of time, and his chances of playing at the World Cup are in doubt.

The news of Chiesa's injury has come as a major blow to Italy fans, who are already concerned about the fitness of other key players ahead of the World Cup. Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti have all been struggling with injuries in recent months, and Mancini will be hoping that they can all recover in time to be fit for the tournament.