Liverpool players support Giovanni Leoni after injury update as Hugo Ekitike sends heartfelt message

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SportFootballGiovanni LeoniGiovanni Leoni's devastating injury earlier in the season was a huge disappointment for Liverpool, but there appears to be good news about the young ItalianGiovanni Leoni's return to light training has lifted the spirits of Liverpool stars. The young Italian left Anfield supporters excited when he made his Reds' debut in the 2-1 League Cup victory over Southampton in September.The 19-year-old looked ready to force his way into Arne Slot's starting eleven until a torn anterior cruciate ligament ended his campaign before it really got started.

All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageOn his Instagram page, Leoni uploaded a series of photos from his light session. A number of Liverpool stars publicly showed their support to the central defender.Content cannot be displayed without consentEkitike commented "soon back my brother" alongside a red love heart and a praying emoji.

He also opened up on his memories of the night his worst nightmares were recognised.Content cannot be displayed without consentHe said: "As soon as I hit the ground, I told Conor Bradley, my teammate: 'I tore my cruciate ligament.' It had never happened to me before, but it was a strange feeling. I thought, 'That's it, period.' It was a huge, intense pain, the strongest I've ever felt in my life."On his recovery, he added: "The hardest part is over now.