Liverpool’s progress in the Carabao Cup came with an unexpected worry as Giovanni Leoni’s debut ended in distress.
The young defender, who impressed throughout his first senior outing for the Reds, was forced off late in the second half after landing awkwardly near the touchline.
While Arne Slot’s side secured a 2-1 victory over Southampton, the focus quickly shifted to the fitness of the 18-year-old, sparking fresh concerns in what should have been a celebratory night.
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Slot’s reaction to Leoni’s setback
Arne Slot admitted Leoni felt immediate discomfort and explained that a proper assessment will take time.
“Of course, he is down because for him it didn’t feel good immediately, but this is something now we have to assess,” Slot told reporters after the game (via Liverpool FC).
He added that scans may be required to determine the severity:
“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.”
The Liverpool boss reflected on how players’ emotions often reveal the seriousness of an injury, pointing to a recent incident in the Dutch Eredivisie.
“Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot. I saw during the weekend a player in the Dutch Eredivisie who went out completely in tears – Ruben van Bommel, by the way, of PSV – and a day later it proved to be that it was right. Let’s hope for the best.”
Leoni had been delivering a composed and commanding performance at centre-back before the incident.
The Italian youth international, who recently earned his first senior call-up for Italy, had shown glimpses of why Liverpool moved for him in the summer.
With games coming thick and fast across multiple competitions, every setback adds pressure on the defensive unit.
Slot and his staff will now hope Leoni’s issue proves minor, allowing him to quickly return and build on the promise shown during his debut.
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