Giovanni Leoni is nearing a return after surgery on his ACL in September, and Arne Slot says the Liverpool centre-back has “become a beast” during his injury.
Leoni tore his ACL on his Liverpool debut against Southampton six months ago, with surgery ruling him out for the rest of the season.
But the 19-year-old is stepping up his recovery at the AXA Training Centre and is expected to report for the start of pre-season in July close to full fitness.
While he has been unable to rejoin his team-mates on the pitch since his injury, Leoni has been a consistent presence at the training ground – and in the gym.
* @giovannileonii Instagram; March 27, 2026
Slot remarked on the defender’s physical development when speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
He told reporters: “If you look at Giovanni Leoni, I don’t know if you once in a while see some Instagram posts from the club, this guy becomes a beast!”
Clearly, Leoni’s time on the sidelines has not been wasted, as he has been able to work on his rehab while also adding muscle to his upper body.
That should aid him when he returns to action, preparing him for the rigours of Premier League and Champions League football as an elite-level centre-back in the making.
Liverpool’s centre-back options for pre-season 2026
Leoni’s availability for pre-season will be a major boost as Slot is set to be without both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate early on due to their participation at the World Cup.
He could look to integrate new signing Jeremy Jacquet from those first weeks at the AXA, though it remains to be seen when the £60 million centre-back will be back after shoulder surgery.
With the likes of Amara Nallo, Mor Talla Ndiaye and possibly Wellity Lucky available along with Joe Gomez, Leoni could work as part of a mixed group upon his return.
The Italian should not look out of sorts either, with Liverpool’s medical staff ensuring he can continue adding to his game even while his training is restricted.