Liverpool’s New Signing Leoni Faces Months Out After Tearing Cruciate on Debut

18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni, signed this summer from Parma, saw his Liverpool debut end in heartbreak with a suspected ACL tear. Medical reports suggest he could be sidelined until spring 2026. Meanwhile, his absence opens the door for Federico Chiesa to be added to the Champions League squad.

In Liverpool’s 2–1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton, Leoni impressed on debut before collapsing in the 81st minute with a serious knee injury. Initial scans point to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which typically requires 6–9 months of recovery. He had only completed 81 minutes for the club since joining for €35 million.

The injury significantly impacts Liverpool’s defensive depth, but it also creates an unexpected opportunity: under UEFA rules, clubs may replace any registered player suffering a long-term injury (60+ days) in European competitions. As a result, Federico Chiesa — initially omitted from the list — will now be registered for the Champions League.

This rule has already benefited others: Oleksandr Zinchenko was added to Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad after an injury to a teammate, while Facundo Buonanotte earned a Champions League spot at Chelsea in similar fashion.

Coach Arne Slot admitted the club feared the worst after seeing Leoni’s emotional reaction. While Liverpool will miss their promising young defender, Chiesa’s inclusion offers a boost in attack ahead of a demanding European campaign.