Liverpool s new youngster Leoni suffers career threatening ACL injury on debut

Liverpool's newest defender, Giovanni Leoni, is facing a long and challenging recovery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his debut. The 18-year-old, who joined the Reds from Parma for £26m plus add-ons in August, sustained the season-ending injury during the Carabao Cup third-round match against Southampton.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed the news, stating, "He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out for a year." Slot noted that the injury is especially hard for Leoni to deal with, given his youth and the promise he showed in his first few minutes on the pitch.

A cruel blow

The injury is a significant setback for both Leoni and the club. Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, making the young Italian an important signing to provide defensive cover and serve as a long-term prospect. Leoni, who only made his senior debut in 2023, was seen as a key part of Liverpool's future, a player who could learn from the likes of Virgil van Dijk, whom he has called his inspiration.

In light of the injury, Liverpool has removed Leoni from their Champions League squad and added forward Federico Chiesa in his place. The team will now rely on its three remaining recognized center-backs—Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez—as they continue to defend their Premier League title. While the injury is a devastating blow, both the club and Leoni will be hoping for a full recovery so he can fulfill his immense potential in the years to come.