Leoni vows to be back for Liverpool as soon as possible after debut injury

Giovanni Leoni has vowed to return as soon as possible for Liverpool after his debut on Tuesday ended with him leaving Anfield on a stretcher.

Leoni, who joined the Premier League champions from Parma in a £26m (€30.1m) deal, made his first outing for the Reds in their 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup.

The teenager impressed against Will Still’s side, winning more aerial duels (three) and making more interceptions (three) than anyone in Arne Slot’s team.

He also posted joint-team-high totals for clearances (six), while only defensive partner Joe Gomez (98) completed more accurate passes than Leoni (88).

However, the 18-year-old’s debut ended with nine minutes remaining after a tackle down the left touchline, with the injury suspected to be to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

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Leoni’s setback leaves Liverpool with just three recognised central defenders in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Gomez.

“I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment,” Leoni wrote on Instagram.

“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 was named in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, though Slot is able to replace the defender for another player.

The Italian’s likely replacement is compatriot Federico Chiesa, who registered both assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike’s goals against Southampton.

Indeed, Chiesa has registered three goal involvements (one goal, two assists) in 2025-26, already equalling his tally from the entirety of his first season on Merseyside.