Leoni injury blow could hand Chiesa unexpected UCL lifeline

Liverpool’s European squad won’t be as mounted as first thought after Giovanni Leoni’s merciless damage on debut opened up a possible Champions League rethink.

Leoni setback leaves Champions League squad house query

The 18-year-old defender was excellent towards Southampton earlier than a late knee downside noticed him stretchered off.

Whereas the extent of the problem is but to be formally confirmed, the early worry – as famous in damage evaluation after the sport – is that {the teenager} might face a prolonged spell out.

That improvement issues as a result of UEFA launched a brand new rule this season permitting golf equipment to make a single momentary alternative of their 17-man non-homegrown listing if a participant suffers a long-term damage earlier than matchday six.

Liverpool left Federico Chiesa out of the unique squad when the listing was submitted, however this modification means our No.14 might now return to Europe’s prime stage prior to anticipated.

Slot’s squad choices might shift once more

The 27-year-old Italian was the high-profile omission earlier this month, one thing Arne Slot admitted was “some of the tough issues it’s important to do as a supervisor” when confirming his European group.

Now, the supervisor could also be pressured to behave.

If Leoni’s downside is extreme sufficient to set off the UEFA clause, it could seemingly free a spot for the senior attacker.

Chiesa, who has already voiced help for his younger compatriot, could be the apparent candidate to profit – particularly after his encouraging home kind.

Past Europe, the damage might ripple into our home plans too.

Rhys Williams, who was named on the bench for the primary time since 2023 towards Southampton, may even see extra first-team involvement in cup competitions.

Slot might additionally repeat the Southampton answer through the use of Andy Robertson centrally if numbers run skinny.

Liverpool have been proactive in reshaping the squad this season, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to bolster attacking depth.

A mid-season Champions League addition of Chiesa could be one other good adaptation pressured by circumstances slightly than design, although the absence of Marc Guehi might now be felt extra severely.

For now, we anticipate readability on Leoni’s scan however what seemed like an enormous defensive setback might unexpectedly carry a confirmed worldwide ahead again into the European image and provide him a lift even he didn’t see coming.

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