Arne Slot reveals Leoni ACL recovery timeline but stays silent on January replacement plan | OneFootball

Liverpool Facing Defensive Setback as Giovanni Leoni Sidelined

Liverpool’s triumphant start to life under Arne Slot has been clouded by a major injury setback. Giovanni Leoni, the promising 18-year-old centre-back signed this summer, has been ruled out for “around a year” following a torn ACL suffered on his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

The Italian defender, hailed for a commanding first performance at Anfield, had looked set to play a pivotal role in both Liverpool’s domestic campaign and Italy’s World Cup hopes. That prospect is now gone, with manager Arne Slot confirming the devastating news at the AXA Training Centre.

“He’s not in a good place, of course,” Slot said. “He tore his ACL which means he will be out for around a year. Being so young, coming to a new country, doing so well in his first game, it’s very hard to take the positives. You always try to look at a positive side and that is he is still so young and has so many years to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”

Leoni’s absence forces Liverpool to rethink their defensive depth as they attempt to defend the Premier League title they won last season in Slot’s remarkable debut campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

Search for Solutions at Centre-Back

The blow to Leoni has inevitably revived speculation about a fresh move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Liverpool came close to signing the England international on deadline day in a deal worth £35 million but negotiations fell short.

With the champions preparing to face Palace in the league this weekend, questions over Guehi’s future have resurfaced. Slot, however, chose his words carefully.

“I don’t think a day before we play them is right to talk about that again,” he said. “He’s a Crystal Palace player and he’s been very important for them as long as he’s there. So we have to prepare for Crystal Palace, who are a very good team. I think they haven’t lost for 17 games in a row now and he’s part of that team.”

Slot emphasised Liverpool’s existing resources, citing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté as ready options at the heart of defence. “We have more than enough options to replace, if needed, a player in the centre-back position,” he added.

Slot’s Challenge in Maintaining Momentum

The timing of Leoni’s setback is especially frustrating for a side that has prided itself on resilience under their new Dutch manager. Slot guided Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title by instilling defensive organisation and clinical attacking transitions. His ability to keep that balance intact without one of his most exciting young signings will now be tested.

The injury also serves as a reminder of the physical toll on emerging talents adapting to the demands of English football. For Leoni, the long road to recovery will mean patience and mental strength. For Slot, the task lies in ensuring Liverpool’s momentum is not derailed as they chase further silverware.

Looking Ahead

With Leoni set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Liverpool must lean on experience and squad depth while considering January reinforcements. Supporters will hope the teenager returns stronger for the 2026-27 campaign, as his talent was evident in a single, impressive outing.

For now, Liverpool’s title defence and Champions League ambitions rest on the leadership of Van Dijk and the tactical nous of Arne Slot. How the champions adapt to this setback could define the next phase of their season.