Leeds United expect to have Willy Gnonto fit for Friday’s meeting with Rotherham United after an injury scare emerged last week on international duty.
The Whites make the fairly short trip to South Yorkshire this way to resume Championship action against Rotherham United, who are manager-less after sacking Matt Taylor last week.
For Daniel Farke, it’s a chance for a seventh win in eight games, but he’s not likely to have his full strength squad to choose from.
How did Willy Gnonto get injured?
An international call-up for Willy Gnonto came from the Italy camp, but this time with the under-21s rather than the senior group.
He donned the captain’s armband in the second half of their 7-0 win over San Marino where he scored twice and won a penalty for another, but was forced off just 10 minutes after that penalty award as he looked to have pulled his hamstring.
Gnonto was seen clutching his hamstring under little pressure from the opposition, shortly before being forced off, casting doubt over his availability for this week’s game at the New York Stadium.
What’s the latest?
Gnonto and the Italy U21 side take on Scotland tomorrow where the 20-year-old has now been confirmed by the YEP’s Joe Donnohue to be travelling, indicating he is fit enough to feature.
What this means is that Leeds expect him to be available for the Millers clash on Friday night:
Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?
League-winners
Automatic promotion
3rd-6th
Outside the playoffs
A soft tissue injury for Gnonto like this needs to be taken good care of, and thankfully we’re not in a position where we’re desperately relying on him.
He should be fit for Friday, as mentioned above, but we don’t have to force him into playing if he’s not ready for it.
What is good to know is that it’s not a major issue and we just have to hope common sense prevails for the Italy coaching staff to rest him tomorrow.