Leoni injury scare for Liverpool as Slot ‘hopes for the best’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 4:13 AM ET

Giovanni Leoni made an impressive debut for Liverpool in Tuesday’s EFL Cup win over Southampton but was unfortunately stretched off with around ten minutes to go after landing awkwardly after a challenge.

The youngster looked visibility upset when he was taken off and head coach Arne Slot said “It didn’t feel good for him immediately but this is something we now have to assess.”

Via Liverpool’s official website, the coach admitted “Normally these things don’t happen in five to 10 minutes and you have to wait for tomorrow to see how he comes in and then maybe do an MRI scan to know more about how serious it is.”

Leoni ACL? Online injury analyst delivers worrying verdict on limited footage

According to Liverpool fan site Empire of the Kop, an online injury analysts has warned that Leoni’s “knee collapsing in and pivoting nature” could be “suspicious of an ACL injury.” However, there is “extremely limited video” of the incident that makes it tough to assess at a glance.

They add that if further scans reveal only bruising, he could be back available within a week. However, a meniscus issue could keep him out for 3-4 months and an ACL would end his season.

It is a shame for the young Italian, who signed from Parma in the summer, for whom many consider to be one of the future stars of Italian football.

In last night’s match, Leoni was one of the best players on the pitch, alongside compatriot Federico Chiesa. Leoni played 88 accurate passes out of 91 attempted, made a number of strong tackles, clearances and interceptions – and was hardly beaten by a Southampton forward all night.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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