Giovanni Leoni Return Date Revealed As Teenager Makes Rapid Progress From Horror ACL Injury
Giovanni Leoni could make an early return after a horror ACL injury.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 11 December 2025
Giovanni Leoni could make an early return for Liverpool as the Italian makes rapid progress from his horror ACL injury.
Giovanni Leoni Return Date Revealed
The 18-year-old suffered a major ACL tear during his Liverpool debut on September 23rd and endured a successful operation in the early stages of October.
Leoni was expected to be ruled out for over a year, however, the Italian defender has already made some staggering progress and could return for the 2026/27 pre-season.
Making another appearance for Liverpool this season appears to be an unlikely objective for Leoni, despite his strong recovery so far and things could look very different when the youngster returns.
Since the Italian’s injury, Liverpool have suffered multiple defeats in the Premier League and Mohamed Salah is on the verge of a January exit following a falling-out with Arne Slot.
Leoni’s international teammate Federico Chiesa has also been linked with a move away in 2026, but Liverpool are set to make a U-turn on their decision amid the uncertainty around Salah.
The Reds have struggled defensively this season, conceding 24 goals in 15 Premier League matches, which makes Leoni’s absence even more frustrating for Slot – as the Italian would have been utilized on a regular basis.
Although the teenager is expected to return ahead of time, Leoni is unlikely to feature at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Leoni To Miss 2026 World Cup
After making 17 Serie A appearances for Parma during the 2024/25 campaign and earning a move to Liverpool, Leoni was in line to earn his first senior cap for the Azzurri.
Juventus were close to signing the teenager during the summer and are now looking to get revenge over Liverpool, as the Bianconeri pursue Marc Guehi.
The Englishman was close to joining Liverpool on the final day of the summer window, but a deal collapsed – making Leoni’s injury even more problematic.
Gennaro Gattuso has been very vocal about promoting the youth into Italy’s squad, as shown by the inclusion of Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito – meaning Leoni would have been a likely addition.
The Azzurri face Northern Ireland in the World Cup playoff semi-finals on March 26th, as Italy look to qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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