Giovanni Leoni’s long road back is nearing a crucial milestone. The 19-year-old centre-back, who suffered an ACL injury in his debut against Southampton last September, is on the cusp of joining first-team training after spending over a year in rehabilitation.
Leoni appeared in Liverpool’s official squad photo on Tuesday, prompting supporters to note his impressive height relative to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Manager Andoni Iraola said in early September that the Italian was expected to return to group training during the international break, and that timeline appears to be on track.
The defender has used his injury lay-off productively, improving his English with three two-hour lessons a week and working extensively in the gym. Speaking in August, Leoni said he could see “the light at the end of the tunnel”, though he acknowledged it will take time to rebuild to match fitness once he rejoins the squad.
Liverpool have no need to rush him back into action. Jeremy Jacquet has made a strong impression since arriving from Rennes this summer, while Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo provide plenty of defensive depth. But supporters remain eager to see Leoni fulfil the potential he showed during his brief first appearance.
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