BREAKING: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool's worst fears with Giovanni Leoni injury update

Arne Slot has confirmed the extent of Giovanni Leoni's injury after the defender was stretchered from the field in Liverpool's Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The Italian teenager is set to be out for a year after suffering an ACL injury.

Leoni, 18, played 81 minutes against the Saints before he landed awkwardly near Anfield's Main Stand. The summer signing was in visible distress as he was replaced by Milos Kerkez and taken straight down the tunnel following his initial treatment.

Now Slot has revealed that Leoni, who was making his first start since joining from Parma in a £26m deal, will miss a significant period of time.

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Slot said: "Leoni tore his ACL, so he will be out for around a year. New club, new country, playing so well in your first game, there are no positives, but he is still so young but he has so many years left to come after such a terrible injury."

Speaking after his injury, Leoni thanked fans for their support. "I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment," Leoni wrote on Instagram.

"It wasn't the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!"

The injury leaves Slot with just three options in the centre of defence: Virgial van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. Ahead of facing Crystal Palace this weekend, the Dutch coach would not be drawn on Marc Guehi, who Liverpool failed to land on transfer deadline day.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

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