Arne Slot Confirms Giovanni Leoni's Injury Update

Giovanni Leoni's promising start to his Liverpool career was cut short when he was stretchered off the pitch 

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot confirmed that defender Giovanni Leoni will be out for around a year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the team's 2-1 League Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday.

“He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out around a year...”

Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni is expected to be out for around a year after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during the team's 2-1 League Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday. The 18-year-old Italian signed from Parma in a deal worth £26 million and had impressed manager Arne Slot with his composure and defensive display before the injury.

Leoni's debut was cut short when he landed awkwardly after a challenge in the 81st minute and was stretchered off the pitch with his left knee strapped up. Slot confirmed the injury's severity, saying, “He's not in a good place because he tore his ACL, which means he will be out for around a year.”

The injury is a significant blow to Liverpool, who are already stretched at center-back. With Leoni out, Slot will rely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez, as the team's attempts to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace fell through on deadline day. Liverpool has added Federico Chiesa to their Champions League squad in place of Leoni.

“He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out around a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game, it's very hard to take the positives,” Slot told reporters.

Read a summary from Arne Slot's press conference at the AXA Training Centre this morning 💬

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 26, 2025

“There is never a positive side but you try to look at that and that is that he is still so young and he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury.”

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot confirmed that the club is looking to add Federico Chiesa to their Champions League squad, replacing Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Carabao Cup win against Southampton. This decision comes after UEFA approved a request to add Chiesa to the Reds' 'List A' squad, allowing him to participate in the league phase and upcoming fixtures.

Arne Slot has confirmed we will seek to add Federico Chiesa to our Champions League squad for the current league phase 🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 26, 2025

Chiesa's Availability:

Expected Registration: The process is already underway to register Chiesa for the Champions League.

Upcoming Matches: Chiesa is likely to be available for selection against Galatasaray on September 30 and subsequent matches.

Impact on Liverpool's Squad:

Forward Lineup: Chiesa joins Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Rio Ngumoha in the forward lineup.

Tactical Flexibility: Chiesa's inclusion adds depth and allows Slot to rotate attacking options without compromising quality.

UEFA Regulation:

Squad Adjustment: UEFA regulations permit clubs to make one alteration to their outfield squad list before the sixth fixture in cases of long-term injury or illness.

Liverpool Seeks Revenge Against Crystal Palace

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing his team for a tough encounter against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The Reds are looking to avenge their penalty shootout loss to Palace in the Community Shield, and Slot acknowledges the challenge ahead, saying, “It's going to be a difficult one.” Palace have been in excellent form, with a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and Slot will need his team to be at their best to come away with a positive result.

“They are enormously disciplined defensively. Ten outfield players plus the goalkeeper who work so hard to prevent the other team,” the Dutchman added.

“They have some individual players, quality. (Jean-Philippe) Mateta, (Ismaila) Sarr, they have two midfielders who can play, two good centre backs and wing backs. What stands out for me is their defensive work.”

Key Challenges for Liverpool

Crystal Palace's Unbeaten Run: Palace's 17-match unbeaten streak makes them a formidable opponent, and Liverpool will need to be prepared for a tough test.

Injury Concerns: Liverpool's injury list includes Giovanni Leoni, who is expected to be out for around a year with an ACL injury, who is sidelined with a knee issue.

Tactical Flexibility: Slot will need to be tactical in his approach, considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

Liverpool's Lineup

Alexander Isak: Expected to start up front, having made progress toward full match fitness.

Federico Chiesa: May be used as a substitute, having impressed with his performance against Southampton.

Mohamed Salah: Expected to make a comeback after resting in the midweek Carabao Cup win.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are currently the only two teams in the Premier League with an unbeaten record. Liverpool tops the table with 15 points from five matches, having won all their games so far. Here's a breakdown of their current standings:

• Liverpool: 15 points from 5 matches, +6 goal difference

• Crystal Palace: 9 points from 5 matches, +4 goal difference

While Liverpool has a perfect record, Crystal Palace has 2 wins and 3 draws, showcasing their consistency in the league. Their upcoming match against each other promises to be an exciting encounter, with Liverpool looking to continue their winning streak and Palace aiming to cause an upset.

“To say I am surprised is too strong,” Slot said.

“But after our games, if you said we'd have maximum points, I would have signed straight away! Maybe we were a bit lucky to get the maximum points, but we work incredibly hard and when you work hard you get a chance to be lucky.

“I don't think we stole a win but some games a draw would be more fair. Looking at the schedule, I am more than pleased.”