Leoni injury could bring Champions League opportunity for Chiesa at Liverpool | OneFootball

The latest reports indicate that Giovanni Leoni has suffered a torn cruciate ligament (ACL), which could keep him out of action for around nine months, but the youngster’s misfortune could bring an opportunity in the Champions League for compatriot Federico Chiesa.

Leoni picked up an unfortunate, serious injury during his first start for Liverpool during their 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

Despite impressing with his dominant defensive display, Leoni went in for a challenge on the touchline in the 80th minute, got his legs in a tangle, fell awkwardly and was then stretchered off in front of the Anfield crowd.

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)

According to recent updates from Fabrizio Romano and others, the 18-year-old has torn his cruciate ligament. As per Corriere dello Sport, this is likely to keep him out of action for around nine months.

Could Chiesa replace Leoni in Liverpool’s Champions League squad?

Also in the starting line-up for Liverpool on Tuesday night was former Juventus forward Chiesa, who has been given a handful of opportunities off the bench in the Premier League at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool 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)

After a slow first year on Merseyside, during which he played for just 466 minutes across all competitions, Chiesa has begun to show encouraging signs with his opportunities this term, and has now provided a goal and two assists from 137 minutes of action across all competitions.

Despite his promising start, Chiesa was left off Arne Slot’s Champions League squad list for the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is seen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at PSV Stadion on January 29, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The injury to Leoni, however, could potentially mean that there is still a chance for Chiesa to feature in the Champions League league phase.

Under UEFA rules, teams are able to replace a player who is injured for a period of 60 days or more, which is expected to be the case for Leoni. That means that there is a possibility that Chiesa, one of the few senior Liverpool players who were not included in the original squad, is called in to replace Leoni.

What Chiesa said about injured Leoni

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)

Chiesa sent his best wishes to his Liverpool teammate, Leoni, after full-time of Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Southampton.

“I’m sorry for Giovanni Leoni for what has happened to him,” Chiesa said. “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. 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.”