Liverpool FC received a strong shock regarding the injury of their young defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear during his participation with the team against Southampton in the third round of the English League Cup on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Italian defender was forced to leave the pitch just minutes before the end of the match after sustaining an injury that will keep him sidelined for a long time.

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leoni will be out for several months, while other reports indicated that his absence could last up to 7 months.

Liverpool had signed Leoni during the last summer transfer window from Parma for a fee of £26 million, with a contract extending until June 2031, in a deal that the club considered a significant investment in the future of their defense.