Arne Slot reveals just how bad Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury is with brutal suggested return date, as Liverpool change their Champions League squad to bring in cult hero

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that defender Giovanni Leoni has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which will sideline the 18-year-old for approximately one year. Leoni sustained the injury during his Liverpool debut in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton, where he had to be assisted off the field after landing awkwardly in the 81st minute.

Slot expressed sympathy for Leoni’s situation, highlighting the difficulty for a young player who has recently moved to a new country and was performing impressively in his first game. The manager acknowledged there is no positive in such a brutal injury but noted that Leoni’s youth offers hope for a full recovery and a long career ahead. The full diagnosis was confirmed following further medical tests.

Due to Leoni’s unavailability, Slot also confirmed that new signing Federico Chiesa is expected to be included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad as a replacement.

Leoni’s ACL tear marks a significant setback for the promising defender, who was just starting to make an impression at Anfield. The club and fans will be hoping for a strong rehabilitation so that Leoni can return to top-level football in the future.

PP