Just after debuting, Liverpool’s new signing suffered a serious injury.

New recruit Giovanni Leoni had to be stretchered off in the final minutes of Liverpool’s win over Southampton.

Liverpool secured a spot in the 4th round of the English League Cup thanks to a late goal by Hugo Ekitike. However, Giovanni Leoni was not on the field to witness this decisive moment, as he was forced off on a stretcher due to injury.

This match marked the debut of the Italian defender for Liverpool after his transfer from Parma during the transfer window. Leoni delivered an impressive performance under coach Arne Slot until he suffered a harsh fall.

Medical staff quickly entered the pitch to assess his condition before carrying Leoni off. Coach Slot personally went to encourage his player before he was taken directly to the tunnel at Anfield. After the match, Liverpool announced on X that Leoni’s injury would undergo thorough examination.

The club’s statement read: “Coach Arne Slot confirmed that Giovanni Leoni requires further evaluation for the injury that forced him off during the 2-1 victory over Southampton.”

On social media, many fans expressed concern and sent well wishes for Leoni’s speedy recovery: “Leoni, come back stronger,” one wrote.

Another shared: “It’s really unfortunate for Leoni, he hadn’t made a single mistake.”

The match also featured several highlights, including England’s record signing Alexander Isak scoring the opener in the 43rd minute. Southampton equalized through Shea Charles and it seemed the game would go to penalties, but Ekitike shone again with a goal in the 85th minute. However, the French striker received a second yellow card and was sent off after removing his shirt in celebration.

Leoni joined Liverpool in August with a £26 million deal on a long-term contract. He has represented Italy at U18 and U19 levels and was recently called up to the national team for matches against Estonia and Israel.

In other League Cup matches, Chelsea came from behind to beat Lincoln City 2-1, while Brighton crushed Barnsley with a dominant victory, featuring Diego Gomez scoring 4 goals, including two strikes worthy of the season’s best goal award.

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