Leoni Reportedly Suffers ACL Tear, Likely Season‑Long

Giovanni Leoni, 18, was stretchered off during his Carabao Cup debut for Liverpool against Southampton after landing awkwardly and showing immediate pain. Multiple outlets — including Fabrizio Romano — report he has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that would likely require surgery and keep him sidelined for months, potentially ruling him out for most or all of the season. Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma in August for around £26m and had impressed before making his first start at centre-back. The setback leaves manager Arne Slot relying on three recognised senior centre-backs — Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez — after Liverpool failed to complete a move for Marc Guehi on deadline day. The injury has raised questions about defensive cover and possible January market moves, and Liverpool can also adjust their Champions League squad to replace Leoni; Slot said the signs were worrying, that the club will carry out an MRI and further assessment, and is “hoping for the best.”