Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni facing long lay-off with knee injury: Details
What's the story
Liverpool's new signing Giovanni Leoni is likely to be out for several months due to a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 18-year-old defender sustained the injury during his debut match in Tuesday's Carabao Cup third-round victory over Southampton. He played 81 minutes before leaving the pitch with the injury.
Transfer details
Tests confirm suspected ACL injury
Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma in August for a fee of £26 million plus add-ons. After his debut, he underwent tests on his left knee to assess the damage. Initial reports suggest that the center-back has indeed damaged his ACL, which could keep him sidelined for most, if not all, of the remainder of the season.
Coach's remarks
Liverpool coach Slot on Leoni's injury
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot spoke about Leoni's injury after the match, saying, "He is down because, for him, it didn't feel good immediately. Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot." The injury leaves Slot with only three recognized center-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
Replacement prospects
What next for Liverpool?
Despite Leoni's injury, Liverpool can still replace him in their Champions League squad. Forward Federico Chiesa is among the potential candidates for inclusion. This season, Slot's team has been on a winning streak, winning all five of their Premier League matches so far as they defend their title. They also beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Matchday 1 and Southampton in the Carabao Cup.