Arne Slot makes new Liverpool selection decision after cruel injury blow | OneFootball

Reds boss forced into quick change after major setback this week

Federico Chiesa is set to replace the injured Giovanni Leoni in Liverpool’s Champions League squad.

However, UEFA’s rule change for all their men’s club competitions this season allows for the temporary replacement of a player named in the squad who suffers a long-term injury or illness before matchday six, meaning there was always the possibility that Chiesa could still need to be drafted in.

That is now the case, with Chiesa’s fellow Italian Leoni set for an extended period on the sidelines.

Starting alongside Joe Gomez in a much-changed Reds team that won 2-1 against Championship opposition at Anfield, Leoni impressed before landing awkwardly following a challenge near the touchline just over 10 minutes from time and required treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off with his left knee in a brace and replaced by fellow summer signing Milos Kerkez.

Slot admitted afterwards that the injury did not look good and it was subsequently reported after tests that Leoni had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament that would require surgery and leave him on the sidelines for a period of months.

Omission: Federico Chiesa had been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad

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Such a devastating setback for the player also came after Liverpool failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on Deadline Day, with the versatile Gomez now the only senior centre-back cover for first-choice duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

It was widely reported that Chiesa would replace Leoni in Slot’s Champions League squad, confirmation of which is expected to arrive later on Thursday.

“I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment,” Leoni wrote on Instagram following his injury.

“It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!”

Liverpool won their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield last week thanks to a stoppage-time winner from captain Van Dijk, with a trip to face Galatasaray in Istanbul coming up next Tuesday.

The reigning champions have also won every game to start their Premier League title defence and travel to meet undefeated Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday in a rematch of the Community Shield, which Liverpool lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley last month.

Along with Leoni’s absence, Hugo Ekitike is suspended for that match in south London after being sent off following his winning goal against Southampton, picking up a second yellow card for removing his shirt during the celebrations.