Overview

• Scans indicate a ruptured ACL in Leoni’s left knee with surgery expected and a recovery commonly estimated at around nine months, though the club has not set a formal timeline.
• Leoni was stretchered off after an awkward fall late in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton on his first appearance since a £26m move from Parma.
• Liverpool’s recognised senior centre-backs are now Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez, with potential cover from Rhys Williams or midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, plus Andy Robertson in emergencies.
• UEFA rules allow a long-term injured player to be replaced on the Champions League list before the deadline, and reports suggest Federico Chiesa could be drafted in.
• The setback follows a collapsed deadline-day move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, and multiple reports say Liverpool will reassess centre-back options ahead of the January window.