Leoni stretchered off with concerning injury on full Liverpool debut

Italy talent Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off with a concerning looking injury towards the end of Liverpool’s 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Southampton on Tuesday evening. 

Leoni picks up concerning injury on full Liverpool debut

The former Parma defender, who earned his first call-up to the Italy national team in September, was named in the starting line-up on Tuesday night for the first time since his €35m transfer to Liverpool in the summer. 

The teenage centre-back made a strong impression, particularly during the first-half, when he completed more passes than any other player on the pitch (59) and also completed 100% of his aerial duels, on top of four clearances, two interceptions and two ball recoveries. 

Towards the end of what had been an impressive debut for the 18-year-old, there was an incident that required immediate medical attention and later a stretcher. 

Leoni was chasing down his opponent, got his legs in a tangle and took a nasty tumble on the touchline. He also took a knock to the head on his way down. 

The stretcher was called for almost immediately, and fan footage shows that his left leg was strapped down, raising alarm over a potential knee injury. 

It remains to be seen how serious Leoni’s injury will be. Furhter updates are expected in due course.