Florian Wirtz backs Liverpool star to be even better when he finally returns under Arne Slot

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Florian Wirtz has sent a message of encouragement to one of his Liverpool teammates amid the latest update emerging out of Anfield.

The Reds were involved in another drama-fuelled occasion in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday as Hugo Ekitike scored another late winner in the 2-1 victory over Southampton.

Alexander Isak opened his account for the club in the first half, but a “horrendous” mistake from Wataru Endo allowed Shea Charles to equalise for the Saints in the final 15 minutes.

And as Ekitike produced a cryptic celebration following his 85th-minute winner, he received his second yellow card of the night, and now the Frenchman will miss the Crystal Palace clash on Saturday.

However, the Reds’ progression to the fourth round of the cup was somewhat dampened after an impressive debutant was forced off the pitch inside the final ten minutes.

Florian Wirtz is backing Giovanni Leoni after his ACL injury

Giovanni Leoni was dominant on his Liverpool debut and was one of the few standout performers in an otherwise lacklustre display from the heavily rotated side.

The 18-year-old was unfortunately stretchered off the pitch after he landed awkwardly following a challenge on the touchline, and now Fabrizio Romano confirmed Leoni suffered an ACL injury.

Leoni sent a message to the Liverpool fans via Instagram, to which Florian Wirtz responded with his full backing for his teammate.

Wirtz wrote: “You’ll come back stronger.”

An unfortunate end to what was proving to be a sensational Anfield debut for the young centre-back, his absence now presents a significant problem for Arne Slot.

Liverpool fans have urged the club to sign Marc Guehi in January after seeing a deadline day move for the Crystal Palace captain collapse in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Without Leoni, the Reds are left with only three senior central defensive options until the New Year, a situation the club should have been prepared for. While Endo can slot into the backline upon request, the Italian’s absence will be a huge loss, particularly after his stellar debut.

Giovanni Leoni predicted return date for Liverpool

According to Sky Italia, Leoni is set for a considerable spell on the sidelines and is expected to miss the majority, if not the entirety, of the rest of the season.

An ACL injury is widely regarded as one of the most serious injuries in sport, and Liverpool will be eager not to rush the Italian back into action.

It could very well be the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign before Leoni returns to the pitch for the Reds. For reference, Virgil van Dijk suffered a similar injury against Everton in October 2020 and didn’t return until the following season.

However, van Dijk’s story will offer encouragement to the Liverpool faithful as the captain soon returned to his best form after such a long spell on the sidelines and will be hopeful Leoni can repeat the feat.