Liverpool have confirmed a positive Giovanni Leoni injury update. Manager Andoni Iraola says the defender is set to rejoin group training during the current international break. Leoni has been out for ten months with a ruptured ACL, suffered against Southampton just a month after his £26m move from Parma, and shortly after his first senior Italy call-up.
The 20 year old has spent the best part of a year rebuilding his fitness at the AXA Training Centre. His return to full team sessions would be the clearest sign yet that Liverpool are close to having him involved again.
Giovanni Leoni Nears Group Return Following Ten Months Out
Leoni’s injury came at a cruel moment. He had only just arrived from Parma and was still settling into English football when it happened. Leoni has needed to rebuild his fitness from scratch ever since. He also spent time learning English, fitting in three two-hour lessons each week around his rehabilitation.
That off-pitch effort has gone hand in hand with a careful, staged return to full training. Liverpool have not rushed him. Iraola’s latest comments suggest the club are now confident enough to bring him back into group sessions.
Andoni Iraola and Leoni Confirm Progress After ACL Rupture
Speaking at the start of September, Iraola provided the clearest update yet on Leoni’s recovery. He was asked which players were closest to returning.
“I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni.”
He then outlined the plan for Leoni’s return to group training.
“I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group.”
Leoni has also spoken about his recovery. He reflected on returning to individual work on the pitch.
“Now I feel really good. After 10 months, I’m back on the pitch alone. But I feel really good, in the last weeks I felt really good on the pitch.”
He also spoke about the state of the knee itself. According to reporting by the Liverpool Echo, Leoni said, “The knee is looking good, and I’m feeling the knee really good. I can’t wait to be back with the team as soon as possible and then come back to play games in front of the fans.”
Defensive Options and Squad Context Under Andoni Iraola
This Giovanni Leoni injury update matters because Iraola’s centre-back options have shifted since the summer. Jeremy Jacquet joined for £55m from Stade Rennes. He has already impressed enough to earn his senior France debut on Monday night, building on our praise for Jeremy Jacquet following his display earlier in the campaign.
Further up the defence, Virgil van Dijk is 35 and out of contract next summer. Joe Gomez and goalkeeper Alisson Becker are in the same position. Ronald Araujo is with the club on loan from Barcelona, and Liverpool hold a £47m option to sign him permanently.
Iraola has plenty to weigh up at the back, with an ageing captain, several expiring deals and a loan arrangement all in the mix. A fit Leoni would give him a genuine long-term option. It also fits the pattern behind Andoni Iraola’s strong defensive record since taking charge, built on giving young defenders a clear path into the side.
Upcoming Recovery Timeline for Italian Centre-Back
For now, the club are sticking to Iraola’s plan. Leoni will ease back into training during the international break, with no confirmed date yet for his return to matches. Leoni sounds ready for that next step. “Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not with the team, but I think in a short time now I can be back with the team,” he said.
He is also clear about what comes after training resumes. Leoni added:
I’ve been dreaming about that (playing games) since I had the injury. I can’t wait to be back in front of the fans. Then we will see how the knee will respond and how I will feel to be back playing games.
