London, 25 September 2025 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni has pledged to return as soon as possible after his Liverpool debut ended in him being carried off on a stretcher.

Leoni, a recent signing from Parma, hurt himself in a tackle late in the 2-1 League Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday and Liverpool fear he has sustained a significant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which will result in a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment,” the 18-year-old Italian wrote on Instagram.

“It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!”

Leoni’s injury is likely to offer a Champions League lifeline to forward Federico Chiesa, who was left out of the European squad by head coach Arne Slot due to UEFA regulations on non-homegrown players.

Photo: EPA