**Liverpool are tackling plenty of injury problems at the moment, but a significant update has now emerged, courtesy of Athletic journalist Gregg Evans.**
Not only are the Reds shy on the transfer front, only signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna this summer, but there are also a host of long-term absentees for Andoni Iraola to contend with.
Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike all suffered serious injuries last season, keeping them out for many months, while Joe Gomez has once again picked up an issue during the pre-season tour of the USA.
But writing on [_X_](https://x.com/greggevans40/status/2084880345774616887?s=20), Evans gave a promising update regarding star centre-back Leoni, saying: _“LFC hope Gio Leoni will start training in the next few weeks. He could be available for selection some time in September.”_
**Giovanni Leoni is a potential future Liverpool great**
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This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, not least Leoni himself after a long absence, with the Italian a defender with an enormous amount of potential.
The 19-year-old looked outstanding on his one and only Reds appearance against Southampton in the EFL Cup last season, prior to getting injured during the game, looking like a complete centre-back.
Assuming Leoni makes a full recovery, the sky is the limit for him, and his ability is highlighted by what legendary former AC Milan [Arrigo Sacchi](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-transfer-news-rumours/74778/liverpool-fc-arrigo-sacchi-heaps-praise-on-giovanni-leoni-ahead-ofl-move-parma) has said about him in the past:
_“Leoni is a modern central defender. He knows how to play man-to-man, he’s gritty, he’s physically strong, and he doesn’t let anyone move him. I remember a splendid performance he gave against a centre-forward of Lukaku’s calibre. The kid wasn’t scared at all in front of the great champion.”_
It is vital that Leoni isn’t rushed back too quickly, however, with Liverpool giving him plenty of time to find his feet again, which is why another centre-back is a must.
An ageing Virgil van Dijk feels like the only reliable and experienced option for the Reds currently – Jeremy Jacquet is another young player who may take time to settle after joining from Rennes – so a new face to provide depth for Iraola makes perfect sense.