Liverpool v Southampton - Carabao Cup Third Round Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool plays during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on September 23, 2025. Liverpool Merseyside United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xMIxNewsx originalFilename:fletcher-liverpoo250923_npAue.jpg
Liverpool face Chelsea on Saturday, but the Reds will be missing their defensive prodigy. Arne Slot faced a blow against Southampton as the Carabao Cup win cost him a centre-back.
Since then, the Merseysiders haven’t had the best of runs this season. After losing their first game of the campaign to Crystal Palace, Slot’s men went on to win seven across all competitions.
However, when they returned to London, things started falling apart again. The Reds were without defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike was sent off for celebrating by taking his shirt off against Southampton. Leoni also suffered his injury against the Saints as he was taken out at the 81st minute mark.
Then the Merseysiders travelled to Turkey, where they received an unusual welcome from Galatasaray fans. Firecrackers were set off at 2 am to disturb Slot’s men, who went on to lose 1-0 to the Turkish side.
Leoni ACL injury update
After suffering an ACL injury, Leoni was given a one-year timeline. Recently, the defender confirmed on his Instagram that he’s undergone surgery for his torn ACL.
“Surgery done. Thanks, everyone, for the messages. I’ll be back soon”, the caption read. Liverpool bought the 18-year-old from Parma during the summer for a fee of £26m.
With only three defenders in hand, Slot thought it was time to start building the next generation of the back four. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate still play the dominant role, but Leoni was bought as an understudy.
Having received huge interest from top Italian outfits, the teenager decided to take up the challenge abroad under Arne Slot. He was brought in to undertake the role of Van Dijk in the future.
Unfortunately, with his recent injury, it will be hard for Leoni to maintain his status at Anfield. Despite only being 18, there is huge pressure on the Italian as Van Dijk’s contract only runs till 2027.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Will Liverpool fish a centre-back in January?
Despite having only three centre-back options left, Slot said he’ll be waiting to see how things progress to make a decision. When asked about his January plans, he said it depends on a lot of variables.
“That all depends on whether we get more injuries, yes or no, and if there’s a chance in the market – all the answers I always give.”
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