Liverpool’s defensive problems just don’t rest as Arne Slot’s worst nightmares have come true. The Reds manager will regret the failure to sign Marc Guéhi as Giovanni Leoni’s debut didn’t go as expected.
The Merseysiders were only an inch away from buying Crystal Palace skipper Guéhi in the summer. Unfortunately for Slot, the Eagles’ uncoordinated strategy meant that the club would pull a U-turn in the final hours of the transfer window.
Igor Julio was supposed to be the replacement for the English international. However, the Brazilian chose West Ham United over Crystal Palace in the 11th hour.
Chairman Steve Parish permitted Guéhi to go through medicals for Liverpool in London. Later, manager Oliver Glasner asked the club to pull the plug on the deal as they failed to sign Julio.
Liverpool handed injury blow during depth crisis
Giovanni Leoni was subbed off in the 81st minute (Credits: Imago Images)
With only three senior defenders in the squad, Arne Slot was already walking a thin line. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté had a tiring week after three back-to-back games in a week.
This led to Slot choosing to rest the two, and the Dutchman decided to hand Italian defender Giovanni Leoni his debut. Liverpool welcomed Southampton to Anfield in a Carabao Cup clash, and the win cost the Reds two players.
Firstly, Hugo Ekitike, already being handed a yellow, didn’t stop the Frenchman from going overboard with the winning goal celebration.
Ekitike faced a second yellow and now won’t be eligible to play Saturday against Crystal Palace. Slot will need to risk it with Alexander Isak playing a full 90 minutes.
The next big blow was Giovanni Leoni picking up an Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the Carabao Cup clash.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Giovanni Leoni injury update
It is a big blow for Arne Slot as the Dutchman, already short on centre-backs, will now only have three options to choose from. Milos Kerkez replaced Leoni in the 81st minute following an uncomfortable display from the Italian.
The Reds will have time to regroup this time out, but Arne Slot will be hoping to keep the defensive line fresh, as any further injuries might prove to be season-defining.
“I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment. 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. Thank you so much!”, Leoni said on Instagram.
