Liverpool central defender Giovanni Leoni will remain sidelined for at least another month, according to manager Andoni Iraola. The 19-year-old, signed from Parma for £26 million in 2025, has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during his debut match against Southampton 13 months ago.

While the club had initially planned for Leoni to resume team training during the recent international break, those plans have been scrapped. Iraola explained that the injury is more complex than a standard ACL tear, noting that the damage extended to other areas of the knee. Consequently, the medical staff has determined that a more conservative approach to his rehabilitation is necessary to ensure a full recovery. The delay marks a significant setback for both the player and the club, as Leoni has been unavailable for over a year. Liverpool officials have emphasized the need to tread carefully, prioritizing the long-term health of the young defender over a swift return to competitive play.