Giovanni Leoni’s long road back is finally approaching its most important stage, with the Liverpool defender expected to return to training during the September international break.

According to Liverpool reporter David Lynch, Leoni is set to step up his recovery over the coming days, providing a welcome boost for Andoni Iraola as the Reds prepare for a demanding run of fixtures following the break.

For Leoni, simply pulling on his boots and returning to the training pitch will feel like a significant victory.

The highly-rated Italian defender has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines, preventing him from building the momentum many hoped he would establish at Anfield.

His return to training does not necessarily mean an immediate return to competitive action, but it represents a major milestone in his rehabilitation.

Liverpool are unlikely to rush him. At just 19, Leoni remains a player for both the present and the future, and ensuring he is physically ready to handle the intensity of Premier League football will be far more important than shaving a week or two off his recovery.

However, his impending return could prove particularly useful for Iraola. The Liverpool head coach demands aggression, bravery and mobility from his defenders. His teams are expected to defend proactively, meaning centre-backs must be comfortable stepping forward, winning duels and defending space behind them.

Those are qualities that make Leoni such a positive option. Standing at around 6ft 5in, the Italian possesses the imposing frame of a traditional centre-half, but there is considerably more to his game than physical presence.

His composure in possession and willingness to defend on the front foot could eventually make him an ideal fit for Iraola’s high-energy approach.

There will inevitably be patience required. Training individually, returning to full sessions and being ready for 90 minutes of Premier League football are three very different stages.

But Liverpool will simply be delighted to have another defender edging closer to availability.

The September international break offers Iraola valuable time to work with the players remaining at the AXA Training Centre, and Leoni’s presence would allow the Spaniard to begin integrating him into his tactical plans.

After months dominated by rehabilitation, the conversation around Leoni can finally start shifting towards football again. And for Liverpool, that might be one of the most encouraging developments of the international break.

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