For Giovanni Leoni, the road back to Liverpool’s first team has been a long and painfully patient one. But there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

Lewis Steele reports the Italian centre-back has entered the final stages of his rehabilitation and is targeting a return by the end of September. That would represent a huge milestone for a player whose first taste of life at Anfield was followed almost immediately by one of the toughest setbacks of his young career.

Leoni suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton in September 2025. The 19-year-old had made an encouraging debut before landing awkwardly following a challenge, with further assessment confirming the ACL damage. Then-manager Arne Slot revealed that Leoni was expected to be sidelined for around a year.

Now, nearly 12 months on, the defender is edging closer to making up for lost time.

Leoni arrived from Parma in August 2025 after an impressive breakthrough campaign in Serie A, where he made 17 appearances and scored once. 

Liverpool’s official announcement highlighted his size, potential and desire to develop at the highest level. His only competitive appearance for the Reds so far came in that unfortunate Southampton game, meaning the new era under Andoni Iraola could effectively provide the beginning of his Liverpool story all over again.

And Iraola’s football could suit Leoni. The Spanish head coach wants Liverpool to play with intensity, aggression and verticality, while improving the defensive structure that proved vulnerable last season. 

Leoni’s physical presence and ability to operate in a high defensive line could make him an intriguing option once fully fit. At 6ft 4in, the Italian offers the kind of physical profile Liverpool can use when defending transitions and dealing with aerial threats. 

His development as a progressive centre-back could also become increasingly important in a system demanding defenders who are comfortable stepping forward and starting attacks.

The timing of his return could be particularly significant. Liverpool have already experienced a defensive injury crisis this summer, with Leoni among the unavailable options, while the club brought in Ronald Araujo on loan to strengthen the back line.

There should be no rush. After such a serious injury, Leoni’s recovery must come before expectations.

But if September delivers the comeback Liverpool fans have been waiting for, Iraola may soon discover that one of his most exciting defensive prospects has been waiting patiently in the wings.

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