Leoni: 9-month injury lay-off expected for Italy and Liverpool defender | OneFootball

The latest updates indicate that Giovanni Leoni could be ruled out for a spell of around nine months after reportedly rupturing his cruciate ligament during his full Liverpool debut on Tuesday evening.

Leoni could miss nine months with ACL injury

The 18-year-old centre-back was given his first start since his €35m move to Liverpool in their EFL Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday evening.

The former Parma defender earned rave reviews for his first-half performance, but his evening was cut short in the 80th minute when he took a nasty tumble, which required immediate medical intervention.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool is stretchered off having suffered an injury during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The stretcher was called for, the youngster could be seen taking oxygen, and he was carried off in worrying scenes in front of the Anfield crowd.

Various outlets are now reporting that Leoni has torn his cruciate ligament (ACL), which, according to the likes of Corriere dello Sport, is likely to keep him sidelined for a period of around nine months.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Leoni will try his best to be back, fit and available before the end of the 2025-26 season.

Teammate Federico Chiesa has already sent Leoni all the best in his injury recovery process: “I’m sorry for Giovanni Leoni for what has happened to him,” the former Juventus forward said after full-time.

“We don’t know yet what will happen to him but I hope it’s nothing bad because he has a bright future ahead, he’s a fantastic guy and a great footballer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leo Scienza of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“He’s just 18, but I hope it’s nothing bad, but we’ll see.

“I saw him last year in Serie A and he already showed calmness on the ball and a great defensive mind, an Italian defensive mind like the old defenders back in the day. I hope it’s nothing.”