Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni injured on debut against Southampton

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:24 PM CDT Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni had to leave the field on a stretcher after appearing to sustain an injury to his left leg against Southampton on Tuesday.

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LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni had to leave the field on a stretcher after appearing to sustain an injury to his left leg against Southampton on Tuesday.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/09/2025 (376 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni had to leave the field on a stretcher after appearing to sustain an injury to his left leg against Southampton on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Italian defender made his first appearance since joining Liverpool from Parma in the offseason. But his debut ended in the 81st minute after he landed awkwardly while committing to a tackle late in the English League Cup match at Anfield.

Liverpool won 2-1.

Paramedics carry on a stretcher Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni after an injury during the English League Cup third round soccer match between Liverpool and Southampton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Leoni was treated by Liverpool’s medical staff on the sideline and was carried away on a stretcher.

“When a player goes off like that it’s normally not a good sign,” Liverpool coach Arne Slot told ITV.

Leoni, who appeared to be in considerable pain, was expected to undergo assessments, including an MRI scan.

“Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot,” Slot said. “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.”