Giovanni Leoni has sent a message to the Liverpool fans after undergoing surgery on an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. The 18-year-old sustained the issue on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last month.

After signing for the Reds in a £26million deal from Parma in August, Leoni had been waiting for his chance and Arne Slot gave him that for the Carabao Cup third round tie at home to Will Still's side.

Although the Italian impressed, his debut was ended in cruel fashion as he went crashing down following an awkward challenge in the 81st minute.

Following treatment from the medical staff, Leoni was stretchered off and Slot admitted after the match that it didn't look good for the teenage centre-back.

It was later confirmed that Leoni had indeed torn his ACL, with Slot claiming in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference last...