Injury will keep defender out for 'around a year'

ARNE SLOT has confirmed Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out for a year.

- By SHANE IRELAND

“The 18-year-old suffered the injury on his debut in Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

‘The Italian centre-back played 81 minutes before being forced off. He underwent tests on his knee which revealed the ACL injury.

Slot said: “He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out around a year.”

Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma for £26million in the summer, signing a six-year contract.

“Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game, it’s very hard to take the positives,’ added Slot.