Liverpool Faces Year-Long Defender Injury, Adds Chiesa to Champions League Squad

Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni is set to miss around a year after suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during his debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton. The 18-year-old, signed from Parma for £26 million, had impressed with his composed play before the injury, which manager Arne Slot described as a devastating blow for the young player and the club's defensive depth. Liverpool now face a shortage of senior center-backs, with only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez available until the January transfer window, prompting the addition of winger Federico Chiesa to the Champions League squad under new UEFA injury replacement rules. Despite the setback, Slot remains hopeful due to Leoni's youth and the club's experience managing similar injuries with players like Van Dijk and Gomez. The injury also forces Liverpool to reconsider their defensive strategy amid a demanding schedule across competitions. The club is expected to provide full medical and psychological support to Leoni during his rehabilitation to ensure a safe return.