GIOVANNI LEONI was forced off on a stretcher in the closing moments of Liverpool’s win over Southampton.
The Reds booked their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a late winner from Hugo Ekitike.
Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off against Southampton[/caption]
He suffered an awkward fall on the pitch[/caption]
However, Leoni was not on the pitch for the winning goal after being forced off with an injury.
The Italian defender was making his debut for Liverpool in the match following his summer move from Parma.
He had impressed in his first outing for Arne Slot‘s side before he took an awkward fall.
Leoni was checked over by medical staff on the side of the pitch before being taken away on a stretcher.
Slot checked on Leoni before he was whisked away down the tunnel at Anfield.
Fans shared their concern for the defender on social media with many wishing him a speedy recovery.
One posted: “Leoni come back stronger.”
A second wrote: “Damn Leoni that is rough.”
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A third commented: “My heart is broken for Leoni.”
A fourth said: “Leoni looks in a bad way too.”
Another added: “He had not put a foot wrong such a shame.”
The match marked many notable moments as British record signing Alexander Isak got off the mark for Liverpool.
The Swedish striker netted the opening goal of the game in the 43rd minute with a typical finish.
The match seemed set for penalties as Shea Charles levelled terms for the visitors.
Leoni looked solid before his injury[/caption]
Alexander Isak netted his first Liverpool goal[/caption]
Hugo Ekitike was sent off for his celebration[/caption]
However, it was the late show yet again on Merseyside as Eikitike netted the winner in the 85th minute.
But it was the Frenchman who was left red-faced as he was shown a second yellow card and sent off for taking off his shirt in celebration.
Leoni signed a long-term contract with Liverpool in August after completing his £26million switch.
He has already been capped at U18 and U19 levels for Italy and was recently called up for the senior side’s games against Estonia and Israel.
Elsewhere in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea scraped past Lincoln City after coming from a goal down to win 2-1.
While Brighton enjoyed themselves against Barnsley as Diego Gomez netted FOUR goals, including two goal-of-the-season contenders.
