Softfootball reports that Liverpool have moved quickly to strengthen their Champions League squad after teenage defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who arrived from Parma in a £26 million deal this summer, impressed for much of Tuesday night’s tie before being stretchered off in the 81st minute following what looked like an innocuous challenge. Post-match, manager Arne Slot admitted the player “wasn’t optimistic,” and scans on Wednesday confirmed a significant knee problem that is expected to sideline him for the majority of the season.
While the Reds have not given a specific recovery timeframe, UEFA’s recent rule change has opened the door for a squad reshuffle. For the 2025/26 campaign, clubs are permitted to replace one outfield player in their Champions League list during the league phase if the original player faces a minimum of 60 days out through injury or illness. The option is valid until matchday six.
That change now clears the path for Federico Chiesa, who was controversially left out of Liverpool’s initial 22-man European squad. The Italian winger, signed last summer, was disappointed by the omission but has trained well since. According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Liverpool have officially decided to add him in place of Leoni.
He tweeted:
Federico Chiesa, set to be included in Liverpool Champions League squad after Giovanni Leoni’s injury.
Slot’s initial decision to leave out Chiesa raised eyebrows, especially after the manager opted to include 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who occupies one of the club’s overseas slots due to UEFA’s homegrown player restrictions. However, the injury setback has forced a rethink.
With Leoni ruled out, Liverpool will rely heavily on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez in central defence, while Ryan Gravenberch, Andy Robertson, or Wataru Endo could provide emergency cover. Meanwhile, Chiesa’s inclusion gives the Reds an attacking boost as they look to navigate a tricky Champions League group.
