Daniel Farke faces anxious wait as Leeds United ace Willy Gnonto sustains injury

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke faces an anxious wait regarding Willy Gnonto after his half-time substitution on international duty.

The 22-year-old started the match for Italy U21s against San Marino on Thursday [5 September] but was removed during the half-time break following several rough challenges from the opposition.

Gnonto did not look overly concerned going into the interval, and the change may well have been precautionary to prevent a potential injury [Yorkshire Evening Post] but his condition is unknown with Farke now awaiting any further details.

Leeds United will be fine without Willy Gnonto

The decision to remove the Italian U21 captain at half-time could be wise considering the side were leading by two goals, but it could also spell trouble for Leeds United and Gnonto.

No goal contributions against a side that went on to lose the match 7-0 is not good reading for the forward. The Whites are stacked in the offensive positions after the summer transfer window and Gnonto could risk losing his place in the side.

Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon joined the ranks at Elland Road to provide competition to Daniel James and Gnonto in the final days of the summer, with the latter starting on the opposite flank to the Italian in the 2-0 win against Hull City in the Championship.

Mateo Joseph has been in fine form at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and opened his account against the Tigers. He now looks nailed on to be the spearhead of the Leeds attack with Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford waiting in the wings.

Farke has turned around the Whites' fortunes after a disastrous start to the season. His side are now well-positioned to mount an attack on the automatic promotion places and there will be no room for passengers in the quest for the Premier League.

Gnonto has one goal to his name in four Championship starts and his position is far from safe in the starting lineup. If he has indeed sustained an injury, he could face a battle to force himself back into the side.

In other Leeds United news, Ilia Gruev is at risk of Leeds axe after what happened 5,000 miles away.

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