Key Points

Liverpool will face Crystal Palace in a standout Carabao Cup fourth-round tie. The match is overshadowed by a serious injury to new defender Giovanni Leoni, who may be out for the season. Other notable draws include Newcastle vs Tottenham and an all-Welsh derby between Wrexham and Cardiff. Liverpool's defensive options are now limited with only three senior centre-backs available.

Key Points: Liverpool Face Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup After Leoni Injury Blow

  • Liverpool drawn against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup fourth round
  • Defending champions Newcastle host Tottenham in another Premier League clash
  • New signing Giovanni Leoni likely out for season with suspected ACL injury
  • Three Welsh clubs in last 16 for first time, setting up Wrexham vs Cardiff derby
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Football: Liverpool to face Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup fourth round

Liverpool's Carabao Cup draw with Crystal Palace is overshadowed by a serious knee injury to new defender Giovanni Leoni, leaving their defense depleted.

"It wasn't the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. - Giovanni Leoni"

London, Sep 25

Premier League champion Liverpool will meet FA Cup holder Crystal Palace in the standout tie of the fourth round of the Carabao Cup football tournament.

Defending champion Newcastle United has been drawn at home to Tottenham in another all-Premier League clash, while Arsenal, chasing its first triumph in the competition since 1993, will host Brighton & Hove Albion.

After stunning Manchester United in the previous round, fourth-tier Grimsby Town will enjoy another home tie against Premier League side Brentford.

For the first time, three Welsh clubs have reached the last-16 stage - setting up an all-Welsh derby as Wrexham faces Cardiff City in their first meeting since 2002, while Swansea City, the winner in 2013, has been paired with Manchester City.

Other ties see struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Chelsea, and third-tier Wycombe Wanderers' reward for beating Wigan Athletic is a home tie against Premier League outfit Fulham, reports Xinhua.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will go into the match with injury concerns as defender Giovanni Leoni is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury during his debut.

The 18-year-old started Tuesday's 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Southampton and lasted 81 minutes before being forced off.

Leoni, who arrived from Parma in August for 26 million pounds plus add-ons, has since undergone medical tests on his left knee. Early indications suggest the centre-back may have sustained ACL damage, an injury likely to rule him out for most, if not all, of the season.

"I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment," Leoni posted on Instagram. "It wasn't the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!"

Manager Arne Slot admitted the player immediately knew the injury was serious. "He is down because, for him, it didn't feel good immediately. Normally, the emotions of a player tell you a lot," Slot said after the match.

Leoni's absence leaves Liverpool with just three senior central defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez. UEFA rules allow the Reds to replace Leoni in their Champions League squad, with forward Federico Chiesa among the options being considered.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Indian football fan staying up late to watch these matches, I'm excited for the all-Welsh derby! Wrexham vs Cardiff should be epic after 20 years.
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Priya S
Liverpool should have been more careful with their expensive signing. Throwing an 18-year-old into deep end without proper conditioning? Poor management. 😕
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Arjun K
Palace has been solid this season! This could be a proper banana skin for Liverpool. Eagles might just pull off an upset at Anfield. 🦅
M
Michael C
Grimsby Town's story is what cup football is all about! Fourth tier team taking on Premier League sides - this is why we love the Carabao Cup.
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Nikhil C
Arsenal vs Brighton should be a cracker! Both teams play attractive football. Hope it's on Hotstar so we can watch it properly in India. 🤞

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