Liverpool defender Leoni suffers devastating injury | OneFootball

Liverpool have been hit with a significant setback after summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian centre-back, who arrived from Parma in a €35 million deal, has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for several months.

Early promise cut short

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

The 18-year-old impressed in his first minutes for the club, showing the defensive awareness and composure that convinced Liverpool to bring him to Anfield.

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

He was stretchered away 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.

It was seen as a breakthrough year for him at both club and country levels.

Blow to Liverpool’s defence

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.

The Dutch coach will be hoping his other options remain fit in the months ahead.

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 his ability to read the game.

The player is now set for a lengthy rehabilitation programme. 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.

For Leoni, the injury comes at the worst possible time, just as he was beginning to make his mark.