By Chalien Dantes

It was supposed to be a dream debut. Instead, it turned into a nightmare for 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni. 

The young centre back, who only arrived at Liverpool in August from Parma in a deal worth £26 million plus add-ons, is now facing months on the sidelines after suffering a suspected ACL injury in his first appearance for the club.

Leoni lasted 81 minutes in Tuesday night’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton before limping off. Initial scans on his left knee have raised fears of significant ligament damage, and all signs point to an anterior cruciate ligament tear. If confirmed, it could rule him out for the rest of the season.

It’s a devastating blow for the teenager and a headache for new manager Arne Slot, who now has just three senior centre-backs available: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez.

With Leoni out, Liverpool will be allowed to make changes to their Champions League squad. Among those under consideration is Italian forward Federico Chiesa.

Despite the setback, Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season, winning all five of their games as they look to defend their title under Slot’s new regime.