Willy Gnonto could be set for Leeds United stay after injury news – Paul Robinson
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Willy Gnonto’s injury setback could be “fantastic” for Leeds United as it could keep him at the club after the January window, according to Paul Robinson.
The Italian, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post (25 September), suffered a lateral ankle ligament injury 20 minutes into the Whites’ 0-0 draw to Hull City on 20 September, keeping him out of the side until after the October international break.
Gnonto was at the centre of a high-profile attempt to force his way out of the club this summer, with Everton’s £25million-plus bid coming the closest to prizing the international away from Elland Road.
Robinson noted that Gnonto’s absence from the squad was a “blow”, but suggested that Leeds’ significant attacking options will keep the side on form. However, the injury news could keep suitors away from submitting a winter bid for Gnonto.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I think Leeds have got the squad.
“The squad can’t take three or four injuries in one position, that would hurt. But if they’re going to miss a player of Willy Gnonto’s quality, you’ve got players like Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, Joel Piroe, you’ve got players that can play in these positions.
“To be missing a player of Gnonto’s quality is going to be a blow, but the squad that they’ve got in the squad depth that they have at the moment can handle that.
“There was a time when you thought that Gnonto might not be around this season but it looks like he’s got his head back on it and his attitude and application is right.
“The injury is unfortunate but that’s going to happen at some point in the season and with him picking up the injury, it may just be detrimental to any type of move in January. It might just keep him at the club till the end of the season, which would be fantastic Leeds.”
In other Leeds United news, a first-team player to be ruled out for weeks after a setback faced in rehab.