Liverpool's new signing Giovanni Leoni is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee during his debut match against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The 18-year-old defender was stretchered off in the 78th minute, leaving the pitch visibly distressed after having impressed in his first appearance since joining the club from Parma for £26 million this summer.

Head coach Arne Slot expressed concern about Leoni's condition after the match, noting that the initial signs were not promising. "He was down, because for him it didn't feel good immediately," Slot commented. The club plans to conduct further assessments, including an MRI scan, to determine the full extent of Leoni's injury.

The news comes as a significant blow to Liverpool, as they are already short on defensive options. With Leoni's absence, the team will rely heavily on the seasoned duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, along with Joe Gomez, as they navigate the upcoming fixtures.

Leoni took to social media to express his gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time. He stated, "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."

As Liverpool prepares for their next matches, the club will need to address its defensive depth, especially after missing out on a late transfer deal for defender Marc Guehi. The situation may prompt the coaching staff to consider other options from within the squad, including academy graduate Rhys Williams, who could step into a more prominent role during Leoni's recovery.

Overall, this injury not only impacts Leoni's promising career start but also poses a challenge for Liverpool as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.