Liverpool have just received worst possible Giovanni Leoni injury news
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Credit:Imago
Aasif Rahman
Wed 24 September 2025 15:15, UK
Liverpool saw Giovanni Leoni be forced off against Southampton, and have now received an injury update that fans didn’t want to hear.
Liverpool had signed Leoni in the summer amid interest from the likes of Newcastle to bolster their defensive options.
With Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez’s future at the club uncertain, the highly-rated defender was brought in to provide depth and add competition at the back.
Leoni had already impressed Liverpool supporters on his debut against Southampton.
But joy quickly turned into concern, as he was forced off due to injury in the second half.
Now, supporters have been given an update on his injury, and it is not the news that the club and fans were hoping for.
Credit: Imago
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leoni has torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will be out of action for “several months”.
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Leoni was forced off the pitch in the 81st minute, and Arne Slot was admittedly concerned as soon as it happened.
After the match, Slot told ITV Football: “If a player goes off like that it’s not a good sign.
We have to wait and see what it is, but usually it’s not positive.”
It comes just as the young defender performed admirably against Southampton.
He won all of his aerial duels, completed six clearances and three interceptions.
Match statisticsGiovanni Leoni vs SouthamptonMinutes played81?Clearances6Interceptions3Aerial duels3/3Tackles1Giovanni Leoni vs Southampton via Sofascore.
With Leoni set to be sidelined for a considerable length of time, it will likely open the door for Federico Chiesa to be included in the Champions League squad.
UEFA rules state that if players are injured for more than 60 days, the club can replace them with another outfield player as long as they haven’t replaced anyone else in that timeframe.
Chiesa was initially not chosen for Liverpool as Slot decided to prioritise new signings and youngster Rio Ngumoha in his place.
But after an impressive display against Southampton and in light of Leoni’s injury, the winger could take his spot in the squad.
For the defence, this could accelerate a potential move for Marc Guehi, but with options such as Gomez and Konate still at the club, January could test the club’s resolve in the market.