Liverpool handed injury boost as forgotten star claims 'hardest part is over'

Liverpool FC has received a significant injury boost with promising updates from defender Giovanni Leoni, who has been sidelined by an ACL injury. The young Italian centre-back, often described as a "forgotten star" due to his prolonged absence, shared optimistic news on his recovery journey, stating that "the hardest part is over."[1]

Leoni, who joined Liverpool's academy from FC Zurich in 2024, suffered the devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear during a match last season. The injury halted what was shaping up to be a breakout campaign for the 19-year-old, who had impressed with his physicality, ball-playing ability, and leadership qualities in youth setups. Despite limited senior exposure, Leoni was tipped as a future first-team prospect under manager Arne Slot.

In a recent update via social media and interviews, Leoni detailed his rehabilitation progress. He underwent successful surgery shortly after the injury and has now passed the initial gruelling phases of rehab, including intensive physiotherapy and strength rebuilding. "The surgery went well, and the first few months were tough—pain, swelling, and not being able to walk properly. But now, I'm starting to run and train lightly. The hardest part is over; it's all about building back up," Leoni said.[1]

Liverpool's medical team has been praised for their support, with Leoni crediting them for a tailored recovery program. He aims to return to full training by late spring 2026, potentially in time for pre-season. This timeline aligns with typical ACL recovery periods of 9-12 months.

The news is a morale booster for Liverpool's youth ranks amid a challenging season. Leoni's return could provide depth at centre-back, especially with ongoing injury concerns for senior players like Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate. Fans and pundits are excited about his potential integration into the first team, viewing him as a long-term asset in Slot's possession-based system.

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