Arne Slot is fearing the worst for Liverpool star Giovanni Leoni after the defender was stretchered off in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.
Leoni was a summer signing from Parma in a £26million deal with Liverpool seeing off interest from a number of rival clubs.
The Italian was handed his first starting appearance in Tuesday’s third round Carabao Cup tie at Anfield, putting in a fine display against the Championship side.
But his game was brought to an end after 78 minutes. With the score locked at 1-1, the 18-year-old fell awkwardly after challenging for the ball near the touchline in his own half.
Leoni was unable to get up and get back into position, remaining on the ground and clearly in some pain.
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A stretcher was called for as play continued with the 18-year-old carried down the tunnel by medical staff.
Liverpool progressed to the next round of the competition with a 2-1 win thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s late winner – taking his shirt off to celebrate which earned him a red card.
Speaking after the game, Slot revealed it was too early to provide a full assessment of Leoni’s injury. But the Dutchman admitted the signs were not good.
‘If a player goes off like that, it is normally not a good sign,’ Slot told ITV.
‘As you can probably understand we have to wait and see what it is. But normally it is not positive when a player goes off like this.’
More to follow
