Giovanni Leoni Set for Liverpool Training Return After ACL Recovery

Liverpool expect Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni to return to full training within the next two weeks as he nears the end of a 12-month recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered on his Southampton debut.

Why Leoni’s return matters for Liverpool

Leoni’s impending comeback adds another young option to a Liverpool defence being reshaped for the long term. The club have brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Mor Talla Ndiaye, while Ronald Araujo has arrived on loan, giving head coach Andoni Iraola greater depth in central defence.

The teenager has been viewed as a significant investment since his move from Parma. At 6ft 5in, Leoni already possessed the size and strength required for English football, and his rehabilitation period has also included extensive gym work intended to develop his physical condition further.

His profile is considered well suited to Iraola’s preferred defensive approach. Leoni offers pace across the ground to recover in transition as well as an imposing presence in the air, attributes that could become increasingly valuable once he has rebuilt match fitness.

Leoni remained on Merseyside throughout his recovery rather than returning to Italy, completing his programme at the AXA Training Centre. That decision allowed him to work closely with Liverpool’s medical and performance departments, while also improving his English and becoming more familiar with the standards expected within the squad.

The international break is expected to provide useful time for him to continue learning Iraola’s demands before a competitive return is considered. Liverpool will nevertheless manage his workload cautiously after such a lengthy absence.

The EFL Trophy tie at Doncaster has come too early, with Leoni’s training programme being increased gradually. Under-21 matches could provide the next stage of his return, allowing him to regain sharpness before being exposed to senior football during a busy run of fixtures.

Liverpool are under no immediate pressure to accelerate that process. Jacquet has made a strong start in Premier League action, Joe Gomez is again available for selection, and Araujo is settling into the group.

Long-term defensive picture

Leoni’s development forms part of Liverpool’s wider planning for a back line that has long been led by Virgil van Dijk. Both Van Dijk and Gomez are due to be out of contract next summer, increasing the importance of the club’s younger central defenders over the coming seasons.

For Leoni, the priority remains completing his return without setback. A first sustained run of training, followed by Under-21 football if required, will determine when he is ready to resume his Premier League career.