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All eyes will be on new Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni when he makes his debut(Image: Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Giovanni Leoni will be in attendance for Liverpool's Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth; however, the 18-year-old will be forced to wait for his debut.

Liverpool have found themselves needing reinforcements at the back in recent weeks, after Gomez's injury, Arne Slot was left with just two recognised options in the Dutch and French internationals.

Jarell Quansah was among the players to leave the Reds this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen landing his services after an impressive European Championships display for the under-21s.



READ MORE:Giovanni Leoni makes Liverpool admission after £26m transfer - 'It's not possible'READ MORE:Giovanni Leoni squad number announced after Liverpool transfer as decision explained

Liverpool completed a deal for Leoni subject to international clearance and a successful work permit application.

His registration came too late, in order to be in contention to face Bournemouth on Friday night.

The Premier League champions face a gruelling start to their defence with blockbuster battles against Newcastle United and Arsenal to come before the beginning of September.

He will be hoping to make his bow before the league campaign grinds to a halt at the beginning of September for the international break.

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Leoni has already made seven appearances for Italy's under-19s, he will have his sights set on the under-21s set-up and the senior squad.

There may be a bow in the Carabao Cup with last year's beaten finalists set to enter the competition at the third round stage, with the tie set to be played on the week commencing September 15 and September 22.

The Champions League is set to get underway between September 16 and 18, which means the Reds may be in the second split week towards the end of that month.

Leoni will wear the number 15 shirt number and meet his teammates for the first-team ahead of the encounter with the Cherries.

“I’m very happy to be here.

I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested].

"When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy.

“I want to improve a lot with my new teammates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League,” added Leoni.

“I’ll watch the game [against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield tonight] in the stadium, see the game and then after the game it’s a new journey.”

*subject to international clearance and work permit

August 25 - Newcastle United (A)

August 31 - Arsenal (H)

September 14 - Burnley (A) - First match after international break

September 20 - Everton (H)

September 27 - Crystal Palace (A)

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