Liverpool use little-known Champions League rule after Giovanni Leonis’ ACL injury
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Liverpool have become the latest beneficiaries of a new rule introduced by UEFA following Giovanni Leoni's injury.
The Italian defender was taken off the pitch on a stretcher with a knee issue in the second half of Liverpool's 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
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talkSPORT reported how Liverpool feared that Leoni, who only joined Liverpool in the summer for £26million, could have sustained an ACL injury.
And unfortunately for the 18-year-old, Arne Slot has confirmed the serious injury, which will see him sidelined for a year.
With Leoni ruled out for a lengthy period, Liverpool have taken advantage of UEFA's rule that grants them permission to replace a player who will be out for a minimum of 60 days due to a 'long-term injury or illness'.
The rule was introduced prior to the 2025/26 campaign and is in place for all clubs competing in European competitions.
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"The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure," UEFA said.
Clubs can take advantage of the rule during the league phase up until the sixth matchday of each competition.
Liverpool have drafted in his fellow Leoni's countryman Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa was a notable omission from Liverpool's 22-man squad for their league phase campaign in the Champions League.
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But he's back in the squad, with Slot wasting no time in his updating his selection.
Despite initially being left out and his role being a bit-part player for the Reds in the Premier League, Chiesa stated he remains optimistic he can force his way into manager Arne Slot's plans across all competitions.
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On Leoni's injury, Slot declared it's 'not positive when a player goes like this'Credit: AFP
"I can play more in this competition (Carabao Cup), but I want to show the manager I can play more in the Premier League," Chiesa said.
"The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed I can help the team.
I'm not in the Champions League squad, but I am focused on the Carabao Cup.
"He (Slot) told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did.
"I was sorry I am not a part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player's dream.
I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.'
"I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing."
While Chiesa's 'dream' has been realised, he isn't the first player to be drafted into their respective teams' Champions League squad.
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Upon signing for Chelsea, Buonanotte said it 'will be a great challenge' to play in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
Chelsea called up summer signing Facundo Buonanotte following an injury to Dario Essugo.
Essugo sustained a thigh injury while on international duty with Portugal's Under-21s and is estimated to be out for 12 weeks.
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Buonanotte, who joined on loan from Brighton in the summer, was initially left out of Chelsea's Champions League squad.
The 20-year-old remained an unused substitute in Chelsea's Champions League opener as they slipped to a 3-1 loss away to Bayern Munich last Wednesday.