Giovanni Leoni Injury Timeline: When is the Liverpool defender set to return?

Liam Williams Updated: 30 minutes ago

Giovanni Leoni is reportedly nearing a return to full training for Liverpool as he steps up his recovery from an ACL injury.

The Reds forked out £26m for the talented centre-back last year, only for Leoni to injure his anterior cruciate ligament in an EFL Cup tie against Southampton.

As such, Leoni hasn't played for Liverpool since making his debut in September 2025, though a return to action appears to be on the horizon.

We've taken a look at when Leoni could return to first-team action for Liverpool.

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When is Giovanni Leoni expected to return from injury?

Speaking on 3rd September, Andoni Iraola said: "I think the plan is also to start training during the [international] break, with the group." Although the Athletic revealed that there's a slight delay to his return, Leoni is expected to return to full training the week after the international break.

It will still take several weeks before Leoni is ready to be included in matchday squads, with time in the under-21s used to rebuild his confidence and match sharpness.

Leoni may see some time on the pitch by the end of the month as he steps up his rehabilitation, but the Reds have a number of testing fixtures on the horizon that Iraola would likely not throw Leoni into.

Leoni may come off the bench for the EFL Cup tie with Chelsea at the end of October but is unlikely to be used for the trips to Fenerbahce or Crystal Palace. The international break then gives Leoni a couple of weeks to work on his fitness, though the clash with Manchester United is another one he'd be expected to sit out.

The Reds' next two games are on the road against Club Brugge and Everton, and Iraola and Leoni may be eyeing the Premier League fixture with Sunderland at Anfield at the start of December.