Eighteen-year-old Giovanni Leoni has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The young Italian defender endured a devastating injury in his very first match for his new club. Leoni will be sidelined for nearly a year, Liverpool have confirmed.
Liverpool manager Arna Slot revealed that the 18-year-old has torn his ACL.
Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma during this summer’s transfer window. He made his debut in the League Cup against Southampton last Tuesday.
In the 81st minute of the 2-1 victory, Leoni went in to challenge an opponent, lost his balance, and fell awkwardly. His face immediately showed the pain, and he had to be stretchered off the pitch shortly afterward.
Concerns over a serious injury were immediate. Liverpool are set to face Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, but the day before, Slot updated the media on his new signing’s condition.
“His condition is not good because he has torn his ACL, so he will be out of action for almost a year. At such a young age, coming to a new country and playing so well in his first match, it is hard to stay positive in this situation,” Slot said.
“There is no positive side to this incident. However, one way to look at it is that he is still very young, and after recovering from such a severe injury, he still has many years ahead of him.”
Liverpool will face Turkish side Galatasaray in the Champions League next Tuesday. Slot mentioned that Italian right winger Federico Chiesa is being considered to take Leoni’s place in the squad.
Liverpool have started their league title defense strongly. After five matches, they remain unbeaten with five wins, topping the points table.
