Giovanni Leoni
LIV
Center Back
Right Back
--
Dec 21, 2006 (19)
Right
6'5"
168 lb
Return to training delayed
Leoni (knee) is now expected to resume full team training during the next international break after his recovery from a serious knee injury took longer than initially anticipated, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "It's taking more time than we wanted. The planning was to train with the team in this past international break [but] probably it's going to be in the next international break, so we've lost one month in the process. Giovanni's injury, I wasn't here but talking to the medical department, it was not just an ACL - it was a bad injury, a lot of things around the knee were involved apart from the ACL. He has to be very confident, the rehab process has to be very careful with him and we want to make sure once he comes to the team, he stays there in a good place. It's true that we've had, not a setback, but a little bit of a delay, if you want. The plan now is he starts in the next break. It's not that far but it's a little bit later than we expected, yes."
Analysis: Leoni has been sidelined for over 12 months since suffering a serious knee injury involving an ACL tear and additional damage to surrounding structures during his Liverpool debut against Southampton. The defender was initially expected to rejoin team training during the most recent international break, but his rehabilitation has progressed approximately one month behind schedule. Manager Iraola emphasized that the delay does not represent a new setback, explaining that the complexity of the original injury requires a particularly cautious approach to ensure Leoni is physically and mentally ready before returning. The young center-back will likely need a gradual reintegration into training and potentially appearances with the U21 side before becoming an option for the senior squad. With Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo available in central defense, Liverpool can afford to prioritize Leoni's long-term recovery rather than rush him back into competitive action.
Close to return to team training
Leoni (knee) is expected to return to full training next week, following over 12 months out with the ACL injury suffered in his Liverpool debut against Southampton, according to Gregg Evans of The Athletic.
Analysis: Leoni completed his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, choosing to stay close to the club's staff rather than more comfortable surroundings elsewhere, and used the time to build relationships and improve his English, earning respect from medical and performance staff for his mentality throughout. His training plan will be staggered from here, with U21 games likely to help build match fitness before the first team's busy stretch of 10 games in 28 days starting Oct. 11, and the U21 EFL Trophy match at Doncaster on Oct. 7 considered too soon for involvement. Liverpool is in no rush given the depth now built around Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo in defense.
Should start training during break
Leoni (knee) should start training during the international break, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "I think the next one probably should be Giovanni. I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group."
Analysis: Leoni has been training outside on his own as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury suffered on his Liverpool debut last September, an encouraging step forward after 10 months on the sidelines. His planned return to full training during the international break would mark a significant milestone in his comeback, giving Liverpool a boost in central defense once he is fully reintegrated.
Training outside during US trip
Leoni (knee) is training outside as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered on his Liverpool debut last September, according to the player, per Liverpool Echo. "Now I feel really good. After 10 months, I'm back on the pitch alone. The knee is looking good and I'm feeling the knee really good, so I can't wait to be back with the team as soon as possible"
Analysis: Leoni traveled with the first team to the United States to continue his rehabilitation, though he is not yet training with the group. He remains unable to address Liverpool's shortage at center back for the time being, but his progress has put a return within sight after suffering the injury late in what had been an impressive debut performance in a League Cup win over Southampton. New coach Andoni Iraola has already sat down with him to discuss his recovery and his style of play ahead of an eventual return. Leoni is expected to continue his individual buildup as he closes in on rejoining full training.
Close to return
Leoni (knee) is close to a return, according to manager Andoni Iraola, per James Pearce of The Athletic. "The others, we have to wait. (Giovanni) is the closest"
Analysis: Leoni is nearing a return to training and play as the pre-season kicks off, with the defender already joining the team for their pre-season tour. He was unable to see the field in his debut season with the club due to a torn ACL, so this is good news. If he is fit for the start of the season, he is likely to see a rotational role to begin.
Joins squad in Chicago
Leoni is among the players continuing their rehabilitation in Chicago as Liverpool began their preseason trip to the United States, the club announced.
Analysis: Leoni's return to full training remains without a clear timeline as he works back from ACL surgery, with coach Andoni Iraola recently noting the club will need to find a short term solution in his absence. He had been present at the AXA Training Centre in the lead up to the trip, though hopes of an involvement from the start of preseason have not materialized. His inclusion in the traveling party allows his recovery to continue alongside the group despite the setback. Leoni is expected to remain a doubt for the near term as his rehabilitation progresses.
Timeline pushed back
Leoni's timeline for a return to full training remains unclear as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery, according to coach Andoni Iraola, per ThisisAnfield. "We must also find a way to replace him [in the short term]."
Analysis: Leoni has been present at the AXA Training Centre over the past week as he closes in on a return from the long term injury, though earlier hopes of his availability for the start of preseason now appear unlikely. Iraola cited Leoni among several significant injury concerns entering preseason, alongside teammates Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley, calling the situation a complicating factor as the club looks to strengthen the squad. It remains to be seen whether the defender will be available before Liverpool's upcoming tour of the United States. Leoni is expected to continue building toward full training as his recovery progresses.
Starting rehabilitation
Leoni (knee) told reporters he has started to train. "Now the hardest part is over. I'm doing rehab, I'm in the swimming pool, the gym. For a footballer, an injury like this can be the most difficult moment of his career but now I just want to train my head to come back stronger than before."
Analysis: Leoni has already been deemed to miss the season due to a torn ACL, but is seeing some progress in his recovery, as the defender is starting his rehabilitation. This is still positive, as he is building strength in the early stages of recovery. HE will turn his focus to the next season as he hopes to shape out a spot with the team, not appearing in his first season due to injury.
Year out confirmed
Leoni (knee) is expected o miss a full year due to the ACL injury he suffered against Southampton, according to manager Arne Slot."He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out around a year."
Analysis: Leoni was already ruled out for the season, and it now appears he will miss the start of the 2026/27 campaign as well. The defender was making his debut with Liverpool when he suffered the injury. Leoni is still young and has time to recover, but it's a blow for both Liverpool and Italy, as Leoni progressed quickly in the last season.
Suffers torn ACL
Leoni has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season, according to Sky Sports.
Analysis: Leoni was figured to have suffered a major injury after he was stretchered off the field Tuesday and has received some of the worst news possible, as the defender is done for the season due to a torn ACL. This is a rough turn for the young defender after just signing with the club, not even featuring in league play before the injury. He will now be set for a long spell of recovery, likely not to see the field again until next campaign.
Set for further assessment
Leoni (undisclosed) is set for further assessment on his injury to decide the issue following his early exit against Southampton on Tuesday, according to manager Arne Slot. "Of course, he is down because for him it didn't feel good immediately, but this is something now we have to assess. 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."
Analysis: Leoni is set for some further testing on his injury after he was stretchered off the field during Tuesday's Carabao Cup match against Southampton. This will be something to watch for the young defender, as he could be set for a period of time on the sidelines. However, if he were to miss time, this would be a minor loss, as he has yet to see the field this season and is serving in a depth role.
Stretchered off
Leoni was stretchered off during Tuesday's clash with Southampton.
Analysis: Leoni made his debut in the Carabao Cup, and had to be stretchered off in the end. It's an awful end to an excellent debut performance. The hope will be that it's not a serious issue for the promising center-back. He is the fourth-choice, and shouldn't impact the starting XI while recovering currently.
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