Liverpool's Leoni to be out for 'around a year' after ACL injury
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Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni is expected to be out of action for around a year after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during his debut for the club in their Carabao Cup win against Southampton. The 18-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Parma this summer for a reported £30 million, was stretchered off after a late tackle and underwent extensive treatment at Anfield before the severity of the injury was confirmed. Manager Arne Slot expressed hope for the best at the time but later confirmed the ACL tear, acknowledging the challenging recovery ahead for the young defender.
Leoni had impressed in his debut, completing 97% of his passes alongside Joe Gomez in central defense, and his performance was described as "great" by Slot. However, the injury has sidelined him during a critical period. ACL injuries typically require six to nine months for recovery, with some cases extending beyond a year before players return to full fitness.
Following this development, Leoni's place in Liverpool's Champions League squad has been taken by Federico Chiesa, who contributed notable assists in the Southampton match. Slot commented on the emotional toll the injury has on Leoni, emphasizing his youth and potential for a full recovery this early in his career despite the setback.
The injury is a significant blow for Liverpool given Leoni's promising start and the investment made to bring him to the Premier League. The club and supporters hope for his successful rehabilitation and eventual return to competitive football.
PP