Arne Slot revealed why Federico Chiesa did not feature in his matchday squad as Liverpool thrashed Spurs in a nine-goal thriller on Sunday.
In the Dutchman's first transfer window in charge at Anfield, Chiesa became the only major arrival of the summer, having arrived from Juventus in a deal worth an initial £10m at the end of August.
Despite the lack of news, Slot has immediately set about molding the team he inherited according to his style of play and has achieved immediate success.
Liverpool are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League and at the top of the revamped Champions League phase.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September marked the only time Slot tasted defeat in a competitive match since taking the reins.
However, despite being hailed as a “bargain” upon his arrival, Chiesa is yet to share the success on the Anfield pitch.
Arne Slot revealed that an unspecified illness kept Federico Chiesa out of Liverpool's victory over Spurs
Slot's team went on a rampage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, earning a 6-3 victory to stay on top
When asked about Chiesa's latest absence, Slot revealed that an unspecified illness kept the Italy international out of the team that defeated Tottenham to remain top of the table at Christmas.
'Sick. “I'm sick,” the Liverpool manager explained. 'Unfortunately for him because he had a few minutes against Southampton.
“Unfortunately, he was sick the last two days and also today, so we couldn't bring him to the game.”
Less than a month after arriving on Merseyside, Chiesa made his Premier League debut as a late substitute as Liverpool recorded a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in September.
Days later he made his first start for his new club in the EFL Cup, before injuries forced Chiesa back onto the sidelines.
However, despite another setback, Slot insisted Chiesa is returning to full fitness.
He continued: “You see him on the field now, it means he's getting stronger and better.”
Slot added that Chiesa is getting closer to returning after an injury-hit start to life at Anfield.
Chiesa's only Premier League appearance to date was as a substitute in September.
“He had to adapt for quite some time. I have said it many times, as is to be expected if you miss team training for so long.
“And then you go to a league where the intensity is also very high, and to a team that plays with a lot of intensity.”
“He is getting stronger, but he also faces a lot of competition on the right.”
The Reds will look to strengthen their position at the top of the table when they host Leicester at Anfield on Thursday.