Liverpool’s long-term squad planning has taken a serious hit after teenage defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a devastating ACL tear.

The 18-year-old centre-back, making his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, was forced off in what should have been a breakthrough moment.

TeamTalk first reported the news, later confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who wrote:

“Liverpool centre back Giovanni Leoni has torn his ACL and will be out for several months. After an excellent debut in the League Cup last night, with Arne Slot also very happy, an unlucky injury for Leoni, who will try to be back before the end of the season.”

A £26m investment, Leoni had been earmarked as one of the club’s brightest prospects, boasting a commanding 6ft 5in presence and composure beyond his years.

His absence now leaves Arne Slot’s defensive plans exposed at a critical stage of the season.

Guehi back on Liverpool’s radar for January

Liverpool had been strongly linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the summer, but a £35m deal failed to materialise before deadline day.

The expectation had been that the Reds might revisit a move in 2026 when his contract situation could play in their favour.

However, fresh reports from TeamTalk suggest otherwise. Fraser Fletcher noted: “Sources have told TEAMtalk that suggestions that Liverpool will wait until Guehi’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, making him a free agent, may be misguided, as transfer chess pieces are already in motion.”

With Real Madrid and Barcelona also monitoring Guehi, waiting until next year now looks increasingly unrealistic. Liverpool’s defensive crisis may push the club to act decisively in the January transfer window to avoid losing out.

Slot’s defensive options stretched thin

Leoni’s injury leaves Liverpool with just three senior centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. While that trio is strong on paper, concerns linger over Gomez’s injury record, meaning the Reds are one setback away from a genuine shortage.

For Slot, the next few months will test both his tactical adaptability and the board’s willingness to reinforce in January. Whether Liverpool move aggressively for Guehi or explore other defensive solutions, the pressure to act has never been higher.