Giovanni Leoni
19-Year-Old
Liverpool
Premier
OUT
Injury Knee
Est. Return 10/25/2026
Close to return to team training
Leoni (knee) is expected to return to full training next week, following over 12 months out with the ACL injury suffered in his Liverpool debut against Southampton, according to Gregg Evans of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
Leoni completed his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, choosing to stay close to the club's staff rather than more comfortable surroundings elsewhere, and used the time to build relationships and improve his English, earning respect from medical and performance staff for his mentality throughout. His training plan will be staggered from here, with U21 games likely to help build match fitness before the first team's busy stretch of 10 games in 28 days starting Oct. 11, and the U21 EFL Trophy match at Doncaster on Oct. 7 considered too soon for involvement. Liverpool is in no rush given the depth now built around Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo in defense.
Leoni completed his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, choosing to stay close to the club's staff rather than more comfortable surroundings elsewhere, and used the time to build relationships and improve his English, earning respect from medical and performance staff for his mentality throughout. His training plan will be staggered from here, with U21 games likely to help build match fitness before the first team's busy stretch of 10 games in 28 days starting Oct. 11, and the U21 EFL Trophy match at Doncaster on Oct. 7 considered too soon for involvement. Liverpool is in no rush given the depth now built around Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo in defense.
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More Fantasy News
Should start training during break
Leoni (knee) should start training during the international break, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "I think the next one probably should be Giovanni. I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group."
ANALYSIS
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Training outside during US trip
Leoni (knee) is training outside as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered on his Liverpool debut last September, according to the player, per Liverpool Echo. "Now I feel really good. After 10 months, I'm back on the pitch alone. The knee is looking good and I'm feeling the knee really good, so I can't wait to be back with the team as soon as possible"
ANALYSIS
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Close to return
Leoni (knee) is close to a return, according to manager Andoni Iraola, "With the others, we have to wait more. In terms of order, I think the closest one to returning is Leoni."
ANALYSIS
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Joins squad in Chicago
Leoni is among the players continuing their rehabilitation in Chicago as Liverpool began their preseason trip to the United States, the club announced.
ANALYSIS
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Timeline pushed back
Leoni's timeline for a return to full training remains unclear as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery, according to coach Andoni Iraola, per ThisisAnfield. "We must also find a way to replace him [in the short term]."
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Could leave Reds on loan
Leoni has emerged as a Juventus target as the Serie A club looks to increase the number of Italian players in their squad, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
ANALYSIS
The 19-year-old Liverpool defender fits Juventus' plans to add young Italian talent to its roster. Their interest places Leoni among the club's potential targets, though there is no indication yet that negotiations with Liverpool have begun. A loan move could happen since Leoni hasn't been playing much at Liverpool, but a permanent transfer looks a bit more complicated since the Reds see Leoni as a key player in their long-term picture.
The 19-year-old Liverpool defender fits Juventus' plans to add young Italian talent to its roster. Their interest places Leoni among the club's potential targets, though there is no indication yet that negotiations with Liverpool have begun. A loan move could happen since Leoni hasn't been playing much at Liverpool, but a permanent transfer looks a bit more complicated since the Reds see Leoni as a key player in their long-term picture.