Liverpool’s latest signature Giovanni Leoni had something to have made his short dream debut in a heartbreaking way.
In the League Cup clash, the 18-year-old Italian looked confident and composed in a collision with Southampton, but suffered a knee injury and kicked him out on a stretcher.
Speculation is now circulating about the true severity of his damage. A common sight is Physios and analysts who believe that damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a real possibility.
Leoni took part in the match with considerable hopes, and in the summer he reported £26 million to Liverpool from Palma. With his first appearance, he was certainly visible and was mature and protected beyond his years until disaster occurred.
He crashed awkwardly near the touchline, and his knee twisted unnaturally. At an instant, medical staff arrived and he was treated with a visibly unpleasant pitch before it stretched.
Has Giovanni Leoni suffered ACL damage?
Observers and medical analysts quickly suspected serious knee injuries.
Physio, known as Physio Scout using X/Twitter analysis, reportedly involved signs of valley collapse when the knees buckle inward, and pivoting motion. These are classic indicators of the possibility of ACL damage.
Still, other scenarios remain on the table. Physical analysis suggests that in the best case scenario it could be patellar luxation, usually a recovery of 3-6 weeks. Or it could involve a meniscus injury, three to four months, or just a bone bruise, with a short layoff. Uncertainty is only made clear after imaging.
Following the injury, Liverpool boss Arne Slot provided an update on the injuries suffered by the young defender.
As Ben Jacobs reported, he said:
“Of course, he wasn’t feeling well right away, so he’s down, but this is something we have to evaluate now.
“Usually these things don’t happen in five to ten minutes. Tomorrow we need to see how he’s coming in, do an MRI scan and find out more about how serious it is.
“Usually players’ emotions tell you a lot… hope for the best.”
Liverpool is waiting for more information about the injury
Leoni’s season could end effectively if the scan confirms tears of the ACL.
That would be a heartbreaking turn for a young defender who appears to be trying to wager his claims at Liverpool’s backline.
There is a cautious optimism that if the damage is not so serious, such as meniscus or patellar issues, he may come back in time to make an impact later in the campaign.
Liverpool was given an ACL damage warning when club waited for a scan of injury on a new signature