Leoni Nearing Liverpool Return After ACL Injury

Giovanni Leoni, the 19-year-old Italian defender signed by Liverpool last summer for £26m from Parma, is nearing a return to action. The promising youngster suffered an ACL tear in his debut against Southampton, ending his first season prematurely. According to reports in Mondo Primavera, Leoni is expected to resume training with the first team squad by the end of April, putting him on course for a comeback in the coming weeks.

Leoni's return comes as Liverpool continues to reshape their defensive options. The club has already secured the summer arrivals of Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Jeremy Jacquet, while also bringing Mor Talla Ndiaye into the under-21 setup. Captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez also face contract situations, with both entering the final 12 months of their current deals at the end of next season.