Liverpool’s Giovanni Leoni Out for a Year Following ACL Injury

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has announced that new signing Giovanni Leoni will be sidelined for approximately a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The 18-year-old had just joined from Parma and made his debut in the Carabao Cup at Anfield this week, leaving the pitch on a stretcher after 81 minutes.

Although Slot initially praised Leoni’s performance, he confirmed the severity of the injury, stating, “Leoni tore his ACL, so he will be out for about a year. It’s a tough blow—playing so well in your first game in a new country, with no positives from such a terrible injury. But he’s still very young with many years ahead of him.”

This injury provides a boost for Federico Chiesa, Leoni’s compatriot, who has been re-included in the Champions League squad after being previously omitted due to recent UEFA rules changes.

Slot also reflected on the recovery process, citing examples like Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who returned stronger after similar setbacks. He emphasized the importance of support from experienced players and medical professionals, adding, “Our team has shown a lot of empathy for him, and that support will continue.”

Despite the setback, Liverpool has taken advantage of recent regulations allowing team squads to register a temporary replacement for long-term injuries. As a result, Chiesa has been registered for European competition while Leoni recovers.

Looking ahead, Slot insisted the squad remains well-equipped to handle the absence of Leoni, with options including Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate. The manager expressed confidence in the team’s depth, saying, “We have more than enough options at the centre-back position if needed.”