It’s been a long 12 months for Giovanni Leoni. The Italian defender prepares to return to full training after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut against Southampton in the League Cup in September 2025, barely a month after completing a £26 million transfer from Parma.
His return provides a timely boost to a defensive department that is already looking healthier than it did a year ago.
The club has changed a lot since then. Arne Slot was replaced by Andoni Iraola in the summer and the club have actively invested in the back line. The integration of Jeremy Jacquet and the loan addition of Ronald Araujo has heavily bolstered the squad and helped shore up the defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Leoni’s comeback will only strengthen the options at a time when the calendar becomes congested with domestic and European fixtures to compete in twice a week.
With six games in October, including a tough Premier League clash against Man City, a League Cup tie with Chelsea and two Champions League games, its going to be a tough month ahead for Iraola’s men.
Leoni is expected to be back in full training within the next two weeks. If all goes well and he regains full fitness quickly, then he may well be on the bench for that League Cup game on 28th.
