Federico Chiesa set for huge opportunity as Liverpool suffer injury blow | OneFootball

Liverpool Face UEFA Rule Dilemma After Giovanni Leoni Injury

Liverpool’s flawless start to the season has been overshadowed by concerns over Giovanni Leoni, whose injury against Southampton could force the club into a decision shaped by UEFA’s latest rule changes.

Giovanni Leoni setback raises questions

The Reds secured another win on Tuesday evening in the EFL Cup, extending their 100 per cent record under Arne Slot. Yet the victory was far from routine. Substitute Hugo Ekitike provided the decisive goal but immediately undermined his heroics by being sent off for a second yellow card after removing his shirt in celebration.

The bigger concern came when Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off, leaving both team-mates and fans worried. Early indications suggest the problem could be significant. “The extent of the problem is not yet known, but many are fearing for the worst as it did not look good at all.”

Photo: IMAGO

If it does prove to be serious, Liverpool will have to take into account UEFA’s updated regulations that allow a club to replace one outfield player in the Champions League squad during the league phase if they are sidelined long term.

Federico Chiesa emerges as natural candidate

Leoni had impressed on his debut, fitting seamlessly into a demanding system, and losing him would represent a major blow. Yet the rules give Arne Slot a chance to reshape his squad.

The logical option is Federico Chiesa, who was a surprise omission from the Champions League list earlier this month. Although not a like-for-like replacement for the defender, Chiesa brings qualities that could be invaluable in Europe. His versatility in attack allows Liverpool to adjust tactically, compensating for defensive absences by reinforcing other areas of the pitch.

Chiesa has already underlined his readiness. Against Southampton he was outstanding, creating two goals with relentless energy and sharp decision-making. Jamie Redknapp described his display as “exceptional” and few inside Anfield would have disagreed as his name echoed around the ground.

UEFA rule change alters Liverpool’s planning

UEFA’s regulation permits one switch, but only during the league phase. Once the competition progresses beyond that point, no alterations can be made, regardless of fresh injuries. Timing therefore becomes critical, with Liverpool needing clarity on Leoni’s situation before committing to a decision that cannot be reversed later in the campaign.

Should Leoni’s injury prove to be as severe as some fear, removing him from the Champions League squad would be harsh but unavoidable. Chiesa, meanwhile, has done enough to make himself the obvious candidate, not simply as cover, but as a player capable of elevating Liverpool’s attacking game in Europe.

Liverpool’s next steps

For now, Liverpool await medical confirmation on Leoni. Slot will not want to disrupt the balance of a squad that has started the season with such consistency, but UEFA’s rule change has created a pathway that clubs cannot ignore.

If Leoni is unavailable, Liverpool have a ready-made solution in Federico Chiesa, a player whose quality and determination were never in doubt. While the setback is unfortunate, it could yet become the moment that re-establishes Chiesa as a central figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware.