Liverpool’s young defender Giovanni Leoni faces a lengthy recovery period of approximately one year due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot.
The 18-year-old picked up the injury during his first match against Southampton in the Carabao Cup’s third round, held on Tuesday.
Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma last August in a deal worth £26 million, with potential add-ons.
“He’s understandably in a difficult state of mind after suffering an ACL injury, which will put him out for roughly a year,” Slot remarked.
“As a young player in a new country, starting your career on such a high note only to face this setback is incredibly tough. However, it’s important to remember that he has a long career ahead of him after he heals from this unfortunate injury.”