Football - Football League Cup - 3rd Round - Liverpool FC v Southampton FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Liverpool s Giovanni Leoni during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2025-09-23-Liverpool_Southampton-26

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Liverpool Defender Giovanni Leoni Suffers Serious Knee Injury on Debut

Liverpool’s new signing Giovanni Leoni faces months on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The 18-year-old defender joined from Parma in the summer transfer window for £26m. Leoni had impressed on his first outing under Arne Slot before disaster struck late in the game.

In the 78th minute of the match, Leoni landed awkwardly while attempting a tackle near the touchline. The Italian centre-back was in visible pain and was stretchered off with his left knee strapped. According to repo r ts in British media, the liverpool defender has suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury.

🚨⚠️ 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

Also Read: Liverpool Ready To Reward Ryan Gravenberch With New Long-Term Contract

Federico Chiesa Set To Replace Giovanni Leoni in Liverpool’s Champions League Squad

The ACL injury would probably rule Giovanni Leoni out for most of the season. The setback leaves Liverpool short of depth in defence. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are now the only senior centre-back options available to Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Leoni’s injury is a cruel blow for both player and club as the Italian had shown promise on his debut before being forced off.

“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,” Leoni wrote in a statement on Instagram thanking Liverpool fans for their support.

Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner

However, UEFA rules could provide a silver lining for Liverpool. Players sidelined for 60 days or more can be replaced on Champions League squad lists. That may open the door for Federico Chiesa, who was left out of Liverpool’s 22-man roster for the group stage.

The Italy international staked his claim for more minutes with an eye-catching performance in his first start of the season on Tuesday. Notably, Chiesa provided both assists in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The winger has also made an impact from the bench in four Premier League appearances so far.

Arne Slot

Federico Chiesa

Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.