Giovanni Leoni injury timeline emerges as Liverpool face anxious wait
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Liverpool are facing a nervous wait over the extent of Giovanni Leoni's injury after he was stretchered off during their 2-1 win over Southampton.
It was a bitter end to an impressive display from the young Italian, who was making his debut following his summer move from Parma.
Despite being in the infancy of his career, Leoni turned out a commanding and solid display but saw his bow end prematurely after a collision on the near side late on.
The 18-year-old dispossessed the Southampton attacker before landing awkwardly next to the advertising hoardings.
The stopper signalled to the bench immediately as the club doctors raced to his aid before the stretcher followed soon after.
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A football injury analyst has suggested that the worry is around a possible knee injury for the defender, who was recently called up to the Italian senior squad for the first time.
X account Physio Scout tweeted: "Giovanni Leoni had to come off with a knee injury in the second half of the Liverpool vs.
Southampton clash.
"Extremely limited video makes this harder to judge, but I'd be worried that his knee falls into a valgus position in this screenshot.
Non-contact nature, knee collapsing in and pivoting nature make me suspicious of an ACL injury.
"However, this is harder to call due to the live broadcast not showing a clearer replay of it.
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"Potential Recovery Time: If ACL: 9+ months If meniscus: ~3-4 months (varies) If bone/bruise: <1 week.
"Physios seemed to have readied Leoni in a position to do a Lachmann's test - to test for an ACL rupture.
Scans will be needed to determine the extent of the injury."
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot did not discuss the issue post-match.