Overview

• The 18-year-old was stretchered off late in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton after an awkward fall on his first start since a £26m move from Parma.
• Fabrizio Romano and Sky in Italy report scans indicate an ACL tear, with recovery typically nine to twelve months, though the club has not set an official timetable.
• Head coach Arne Slot said further assessment was required and noted the player was "down," with a fuller update expected at his next press conference.
• Leoni’s layoff reduces senior centre-back options to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez, with Rhys Williams and midfielders Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch mentioned as cover.
• UEFA rules permit replacing a long-term injured outfield player in the Champions League squad, and reports suggest Federico Chiesa could be registered in Leoni’s place.