Liverpool’s new defender Giovanni Leoni has suffered a serious injury during his first game for the club. The young centre-back was forced off the field in the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton after going down awkwardly.
The 18-year-old defender joined Liverpool this summer in a £26 million transfer from Parma. He signed a long-term contract and was expected to add depth and talent to the defence. His debut started brightly, showing composure and confidence, but ended in disappointment when he left the pitch on a stretcher in the second half.
Reports suggest the injury is a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) problem. Such injuries usually take many months to recover. Scans will confirm the full extent, but early signs point to a long spell on the sidelines.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot shared his concern after the match. He said it was painful to see Leoni suffer this blow on his very first appearance. The coach praised the youngster’s early performance and expressed hope that the injury would not be as bad as feared.
Fans have also shown strong support for Leoni on social media. Many believe he has a bright future and hope to see him return stronger. The defender himself thanked supporters for their messages, promising to fight hard through the recovery process.
Leoni was seen as one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents. He had already played in Serie A with Parma and gained valuable experience with Italy’s youth national teams. His height, aerial strength, and tactical awareness had made him an exciting signing for Liverpool’s long-term plans.
This injury now forces Liverpool to rethink their defensive setup. With several important matches ahead, the club will need to rely on senior players until Leoni returns. Recovery from an ACL injury can take six to nine months, meaning he may only feature late in the season.
Despite this setback, Liverpool remain confident that Leoni will develop into a key player once he recovers. His talent and determination suggest he could still have a big future at Anfield.
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