AFCON 2025
Liverpool’s new defender, Giovanni Leoni, is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during his debut.
The 18-year-old, who joined the Reds from Parma for £26 million in August, was taken off in the 81st minute of their 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. Tests on his left knee have since indicated a damaged ACL, an injury that will likely rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The devastating setback leaves Liverpool manager Arne Slot with just three senior center-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez.
🚨⚠️ Liverpool centre back Giovanni Leoni has torn his ACL and will be out for several months.
After excellent debut in League Cup last night with also Arne Slot very happy, an unlucky injury for Leoni who will try to be back before the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/TWFvj5jKfY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 24, 2025
Leoni out for months with injury
Following the injury, Leoni shared his heartbreak on Instagram. “I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment,” he wrote.
“It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!”
Manager Arne Slot also spoke on the injury. “He is down because, for him, it didn’t feel good immediately. Normally, the emotions of a player tell you a lot,” Slot said after the match.
Liverpool can replace Leoni in their Champions League squad, and sources suggest forward Federico Chiesa is a contender for inclusion.
Despite the defensive setback, Slot’s side has had a perfect start to their Premier League title defense, winning all five of their matches so far.
