Eraola reveals Giovanni Leoni's return date to Liverpool training

Italian defender Giovanni Leoni is nearing a return to action after a long absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee sustained during his debut with Liverpool in September 2025.

Giovanni Leoni, 19 years old, sustained an injury on September 23, 2025, during the match against Southampton in the EFL Cup, after starting the game. This injury will cut his season short with the team, which signed him from Parma for €29 million.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola stated during the press conference that the player's return to team training has been delayed beyond the scheduled time, explaining: "Our plan was for Giovanni to train with the team during the last international break, but I believe that will likely happen during the next break in November, which means we have been delayed by about a month."

The Spanish coach added that the injury was not limited to a cruciate ligament tear, but was more complicated due to damage to other parts around the knee. He pointed out that the rehabilitation process requires significant care, and that the club wants to ensure the player's ability to continue with the team after his return, rather than facing another setback.

Iraola has concluded his remarks by confirming that Giovanni Leoni should be optimistic about his return, explaining that the date is now close, albeit slightly later than initial expectations, with the aim of joining team training during the international break in November.