Sources: Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni plan revealed after injury update

Liverpool will not take the risk of rushing centre-back Giovanni Leoni back from injury, sources have told Football Insider.

The Reds have welcomed Joe Gomez back into the matchday squad, and that has in turn afforded them the luxury of time with Leoni.

The Merseysiders are keen to ensure that they approach the 19-year-old's return to action with caution after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Sources say that provided Liverpool suffer no more injuries in their backline, the Italian's pathway will see him eased back into action, rather than thrown in at the deep end.

Leoni is now in the final stages of his recovery from the ACL injury that he suffered in a Carabao Cup win over Southampton in September 2025.

Andoni Iraola recently suggested that he will return to train with the group during the international break, as his return to action is now in sight.

Liverpool satisfied with centre-back depth

Liverpool have had a lack of options at the heart of their defence so far this season, but their issues in that area are now beginning to ease.

The early-season form of new signing Jeremy Jacquet is seen as a "big plus point" at Anfield, while the club are also happy with the impact from loan signing Ronald Araujo.

Gomez's return to action has left Iraola with four senior centre-back options, with Araujo a natural fit centrally, despite playing at right-back so far.

Leoni is set to boost that tally to five and will finally get the chance to show what he can do at Liverpool.

He was signed in a £26million deal from Parma last summer, but picked up his ACL injury during his first competitive game in English football.

The Italy U19 international is tipped to have a huge future ahead of him, and he will hope that his imminent return can be the start of a long and successful career in the Premier League.

Liverpool plan to rest Virgil van Dijk

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Iraola intends to rest Virgil van Dijk in certain games this season, in a bid to protect the 35-year-old from injuries.

The Dutchman played every single minute of last season's Premier League campaign, and Liverpool expect him to do the same again this term, provided that he stays fit.

With that in mind, Iraola intends to leave Van Dijk out of the squad for domestic cup games wherever possible, to reduce the workload on the veteran.

In turn, that will open the door for the likes of Leoni to get further opportunities and develop as a young player.