Leon's injury paves the way for Chiesa to reach the Champions League

2025-09-24 20:17:00, Sport CNA

Giovanni Leoni's injury has changed Liverpool's plans. Another Italian, Federico Chiesa, could benefit from this situation.

The start of the season for the striker looked promising. After scoring the decisive goal against Bournemouth in the opening week of the Premier League, the former Juventus player declared that he was ready to prove his worth and earn a place in one of the best teams in the world. That match ignited expectations for a different year after the previous one, in which he played just 466 minutes in all competitions.

However, the reality that followed was different. In the next three league matches, Chiesa only got 40 minutes of play. Moreover, coach Arne Slot decided to leave him out of the Champions League list, preferring 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha instead. A difficult decision to accept, but one that Chiesa handled with professionalism. He stated that he had spoken to the coach, understood the reasons and that he would continue to work to have his opportunities in the Premier League and the League Cup.

And that opportunity came against Southampton in the Cup, where Chiesa put in a very good performance. With two assists and his constant movement, he was named man of the match, showing that he is ready to make his contribution.

But in the same match, a sad episode also occurred for Liverpool. Giovani Leoni, the 18-year-old defender transferred this summer from Parma, suffered a serious injury. After a collision and a wrong movement of his knee, he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher. Medical examinations confirmed the rupture of the ligament in his left knee and an absence that will last several months, practically ending his season.

This development, although negative for Leon, could open a new window for Chiesa. UEFA introduced a new rule this year that allows for the replacement of players who are absent for more than 60 days due to injury in the Champions League.

In this context, the first name mentioned as an alternative is precisely that of Chiesa. A possible change that would give the Italian striker the unexpected chance to participate in the most prestigious European club competition, giving an important turn to his season.