Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni faces delayed return from injury

Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni is expected to delay his return to group training due to the complexity of his injury recovery. Although the club initially planned for his reintegration during the recent international break, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that his return will likely be postponed until the next international break in mid-November.

Leoni, who joined from Parma, suffered a severe knee injury in September 2025 during his Carabao Cup debut against Southampton. The injury involved not only the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) but also other structures within the knee, necessitating an extremely cautious rehabilitation process at the AXA Training Centre.

Iraola emphasized the importance of both physical readiness and psychological confidence, stating that the medical staff has recommended a slow approach to ensure a safe and complete recovery. Leoni has been sidelined for approximately 13 months and will continue individual training for several more weeks before joining the squad.