Exclusive: Liverpool star could be sidelined until 2027 after picking up major injury. Injury expert details Hugo Ekitike hamstring problem and Allison Becker injury update with potential Liverpool return timeline…

Exclusive: Liverpool star may be out until 2027 following a significant injury.

Injury specialist outlines Hugo Ekitike’s hamstring issue along with a possible timeline for his return to Liverpool.

Injury Specialist Offers Anticipated Return Timeline for Liverpool Player after ACL Injury.

Liverpool has faced a challenging few days, enduring consecutive losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.

While the results are troubling, Arne Slot is beginning to encounter several injury issues. Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike are both uncertain for Saturday’s match against Chelsea after sustaining injuries during the 1-0 loss to Galatasaray.

They join 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered an ACL injury during the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round.

Leoni transferred to Liverpool this summer in a £26m deal from Parma and had made a strong impression in his debut against the Saints before the injury occurred.

Initial reports indicated that the Italian could be out for the entire season, leaving Slot with only three center-back options: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez. The latter two have also faced fitness challenges in the past, putting Liverpool in a precarious position.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and suggested that Leoni might be sidelined for an extended period…

Giovanni Leoni Injury Insights

In earlier years, ACL injuries were often regarded as ‘career-threatening’ or ‘career-ending,’ as Dinnery explained, but that perception may no longer hold true.

“Previously, these injuries were thought to be career-ending or career-threatening, but advancements in technology and recovery methods allow for a reduction in many of those risks,” Dinnery stated.

“Nonetheless, there are no assurances that players will consistently return to their pre-injury performance levels.”

“However, there is context surrounding this situation, such as the presence of any additional issues alongside the ACL injury,” Dinnery elaborated.

“It is also crucial to take into account that Giovanni is just 18 years old, which means Liverpool has a responsibility to care for the player while he is part of the club, as well as considering his long-term career prospects.”

“I believe it is not unreasonable to anticipate that his return to play might extend into late 2026 or even early 2027.”

This assessment is quite severe. As a promising young talent on the verge of receiving his first senior international call-up to the Italy national team, it is heartbreaking to learn that his development could be delayed by several years.

This situation also places Liverpool in a position where they must make a decision as the January transfer window approaches.

The Reds had previously agreed to a £35m deal to acquire Marc Guehi during the summer, but that agreement fell through on deadline day, and they are now likely to rekindle their interest in the defender this winter.

“It would be reasonable to expect Liverpool to explore the transfer market in January and potentially sign someone like Marc Guehi, which would alleviate some pressure on Arne Slot and allow Giovanni to follow the appropriate recovery processes.

However, we are realistically looking at a timeline of 12 to 18 months for him to stabilize, and it may take up to two years before he can return to his pre-injury performance levels,” Dinnery stated.

Naturally, it is essential to recognize that even if Leoni faces 18 months on the sidelines, he will still come back as an exciting 20-year-old defender with world-class potential. His journey at Liverpool is far from over.