Liverpool defender Leoni suffers devastating injury | OneFootball

Liverpool summer signing Giovanni Leoni has suffered a serious knee injury, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian centre-back, who arrived from Parma in a €35 million deal, has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and he will be out for several months.

Leoni’s early promise is cut short

Leoni made his debut in the League Cup against Championship side Southampton.

The 18-year-old showed the defensive awareness and composure that convinced Liverpool to sign him.

However, his debut ended in disappointment. An awkward challenge near the touchline forced the youngster off the pitch.

He was stretchered off in clear pain, and scans later confirmed the severity of the damage.

The injury is especially devastating for the teenager, who had recently received his first call-up to the Italian national team earlier this season.

Liverpool are now facing issues at centre-back. Arne Slot has been dealing with limited defensive cover, and losing Leoni will only heighten the pressure on his squad.

Leoni was regarded as one of the most exciting young defenders in Italy before his move to Merseyside.

Liverpool’s scouts were impressed with his maturity at Parma, where he became a key figure in their defence last season.

His debut performance showed signs that he could adapt quickly to English football. Supporters were encouraged by his composure under pressure and ability to read the game.

Liverpool’s medical team will be working to ensure he makes a full recovery, with hopes that he might feature again before the season ends.