Giovanni Leoni has been stretched in the Carabao Cup with Southampton last month, with the Liverpool defender undergoing surgery with an ACL injury, and the youngster has set up a long spell for side jobs.
Liverpool youth Giovanni Leoni reached out to fans following his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. The 18-year-old was injured last month in his debut with Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
After joining the Reds on a £26 million contract from Parma in August, Leoni was eagerly waiting for his opportunity. This was given by Arne Slot for the third round tie of the Carabao Cup at home with Will Still’s team.
Despite being impressed with the pitch, the Italian debut ended tragically when he awkwardly fell after an 81-minute challenge.
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After seeing a doctor, Leoni was taken off the field and Slot admitted that the situation seemed tough for the younger centre-back after the game.
It was then confirmed that Leoni actually tore his ACL, and the slot was revealed at a press conference at his pre-crystal palace last Friday, revealing that players could be on the sidelines for about 12 months. “Of course he’s not in a good place because he tore his ACL.
“I’m so young, I’m coming to a new country and I’m playing really well in your first game… It’s very difficult to take a positive side, but you always try to see the positive side.
Leoni confirmed that he had undergone surgery for an ACL injury and expressed his gratitude for the message of support as he embarked on a long recovery journey.
In the Instagram story, alongside a photo of him in a hospital bed, Leoni is accompanied by a Red Heart emoji and a prayer hand emoji: “I had the surgery. I’ll thank you all for the message. I’ll be back soon.”
Liverpool teammates Virgil Van Dik and Joe Gomez experienced similar injuries and made a successful comeback. Slot said that having that experience within the team would be a good support for Leoni.
Before the team travelled to the palace last Friday, head coach slot said:
“So, I said the positive thing is that he’s only 18 years old, so he still has a lot of time. If you get hurt like that when you’re close to your retirement, it will probably make it much more difficult. But in either situation it’s far from ideal.
“I think the main and most important thing is to be a surgeon who performs the surgery and then all that he does recovery with him, rehabilitation.
“But if you can do this around with players who have lived this, that’s always great. They can probably give the right energy at a particular moment.”
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