Liverpool Prepared to Bring Giovanni Leoni Back Slowly After Year Out
Yahoo Sports
The short version
- Leoni tore his ACL on his Liverpool debut, a Carabao Cup win over Southampton, one year ago on Tuesday.
- The 19-year-old Italian has not played since and said in August he could see 'light at the end of the tunnel.'
- Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke reports Liverpool will not rush him back or take unnecessary risks.
- Joe Gomez's return gives manager Andoni Iraola depth to ease Leoni in gradually.
- No timeframe has been given for Leoni's return to playing.
A report says Liverpool intend to avoid any risk with the teenage defender as he nears a return from the ACL injury he suffered on his debut.
Tuesday will be one year since Giovanni Leoni tore his ACL while making his first senior appearance for Liverpool, a Carabao Cup win against Southampton at Anfield. The Italian center-back, now 19, has not featured in a match since.
In early August, Leoni said he could finally see "light at the end of the tunnel." Daily Mail reporter Lewis Steele has since reported that the teenager is stepping up his rehabilitation, though no date has been put on a possible comeback.
Writing for Football Insider on Tuesday, Pete O'Rourke reported that Liverpool will not push Leoni back quickly and will steer clear of needless risk after such a long layoff. With Joe Gomez back available and the club well covered at center-back, manager Andoni Iraola can reintroduce the youngster gradually, provided no further injuries hit the position.
Leoni's path back to the lineup could be complicated by the established partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, who has impressed since arriving at Anfield. The exact timing of the defender's return to match action remains unclear.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
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