Liverpool have received a major fitness boost ahead of their huge Premier League clash with Manchester City, with journalist James Pearce revealing that Giovanni Leoni is set to \u201creturn to full training in a fortnight.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old has endured a lengthy ACL layoff but has remained fully committed to his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, impressing staff with his focus and determination.<\/p>\n
Leoni is unlikely to feature against City, but his return to training is a significant boost for Liverpool. <\/p>\n
Legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi previously praised his leadership and potential:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re dealing with a talent, there\u2019s no doubt about that. Of course, at only eighteen, there\u2019s considerable room for improvement. <\/p>\n
For example, in my opinion, he could become even more confident in his playmaking. <\/p>\n
I appreciated his commanding attitude, because Leoni was a true commander in Parma\u2019s defence last season: leadership is clearly in his DNA, and that\u2019s another aspect to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stages of his career, Liverpool will hope Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet can eventually become the long-term leaders of the Reds\u2019 defence. <\/p>\n
Leoni has made just one appearance for Liverpool so far, but his return promises to be a major moment at Anfield.<\/p>\n
I can also make it shorter and more dramatic for a Liverpool Facebook post if you want.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"