Liverpool are very light when it comes to centre-back options right now. Luke Chambers, a left-back by trade, and 18 year old new signing Ifeanyi Ndukwe have shouldered the majority of the minutes during pre-season so far, with Andoni Iraola down to the bare bones in this position.
Joe Gomez is sidelined for the next few weeks, Virgil van Dijk has only just returned to AXA Training Centre following his World Cup exertions, while Jérémy Jacquet is being eased back into action, after requiring shoulder surgery in February.
However, could the fourth senior centre half on Liverpool's books, very much the forgotten man, soon be able to return?
Gregg Evans of the Athletic reports that Giovanni Leoni is "edging closer" to a return to action. The Italian joined Liverpool from Parma for £26 million last summer, viewed as a major coup, given how highly-rated he is.
However, he has made just one appearances for the Reds so far. Debuting against Southampton in the Carabao Cup at Anfield last September, he was stretchered off just nine minutes from the end, having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
This is absolutely heartbreaking for the young man, who is cautiously edging closer to being available for selection again. Alongside fellow long-term absentees Conor Bradley,
Wataru Endō, Stefan Bajčetić and Hugo Ekitiké, Leoni has been with the squad at their American training base of Chicago Fire Endeavor Health Performance Center. Iraola clearly believing that to be important for squad harmony and morale.
So, could the new head coach get the best out of the 19 year old defender?
Why Andoni Iraola could be the dream appointment for Giovanni Leoni
In the aforementioned Athletic piece, Evans documents how Iraola is something of a long-term admirer of Leoni. When he was still Bournemouth manager, after Real Madrid activated Dean Huijsen's release clause, Iraola tried to bring the Italian to the Vitality Stadium, but he chose to go to Liverpool instead.
Well, amid reports that the club do not intent to make any defensive additions, Leoni is now set to be a key figure for the new manager on Merseyside. With Ibrahima Konaté having departed, the spot as van Dijk's partner is very much up for grabs.
Jeremy Jacquet has been signed to fill that role, but the Frenchman is not much more experienced than his Italian counterpart.
Leoni made 17 Serie A appearances for Parma, while Jacquet has featured 37 times in Ligue 1 for Stade Rennais and Clermont Foot, during a loan spell with les Lanciers.
Of course, Leoni won't be back right away. Perhaps his return could come in the EFL Cup next month, something of a full circle moment. Later on in the campaign though, there is no reason why he could not establish himself as first-choice.
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