Leeds United told what Willy Gnonto ‘blow’ could mean for Premier League promotion hopes
Paul Robinson says being without Willy Gnonto is a “blow” for Leeds United, but is confident his former side will continue to cope in his absence.
Gnonto was ruled out for two weeks by Daniel Farke after sustaining an injury while on international duty with Italy Under-21s.
The 20-year-old missed the 2-2 draw at Watford and 3-1 win over Hull City, while he will also sit out at least two more games, as confirmed by Farke.
However, Robinson believes Farke has plenty of options to help compensate for the loss of Gnonto.
“Of course it’s a blow for Leeds,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News. “He’s had a real impact in recent weeks with his goals, contribution and all-around play.
“I’ve said before that Leeds have the squad depth now to cope with that. Willy has been a huge part of the success the team have had of late, but I’m not worried because the squad depth is there.
“Look at the quality on the bench. So he’s a miss, but look at the games coming up. Hull are the only members of top six they had to play without him. Leeds have the kindest run-in of the lot.”
Willy Gnonto goal involvements for Leeds in 2023-24
Gnonto has seven goals and two assists in 30 Championship appearances this season for Leeds.
That may not seem like the most eye-catching return on the face of it, but it must be remembered that the vast majority of those goal involvements have come since the start of February.
Indeed, since the 1-0 win at Bristol City on 2 February, in which Gnonto scored the only goal, he has found the net seven times and assisted another across 11 outings.
The Italian has showed his quality over that period and more than played his part in this impressive unbeaten run since the turn of the year.
As Robinson points out, however, Farke has an array of talents to pick from in the final third and thankfully Gnonto’s absence should not be felt too much.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton has predicted the scoreline in the “fascinating” clash with Coventry City.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.