Jaidon Anthony absence from Leeds United squad at Plymouth Argyle explained – Phil Hay
Jaidon Anthony is not with the Leeds United squad to face Plymouth Argyle due to personal reasons rather than injury, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist reported the update via Twitter on 17 February ahead of kick-off at Home Park after the Whites attacker wasn’t with the 20-strong travelling party.
Anthony, 24, recently suffered the loss of his mother, paying tribute to her after scoring in the 1-1 draw against the Pilgrims at Elland Road last month [Daily Mail, 27 January].
Hay wrote: “Leeds’ starting line-up unchanged. No Jaidon Anthony today, missing for personal reasons.”
Anthony absence from Leeds United squad not due to injury
Thoughts will be with Anthony after the difficult time the Bournemouth loanee and his family have been through of late.
Whatever is happening in-season the players are also individuals who have personal lives outside football which are ultimately most important.
Daniel Farke would likely be confident of getting the desired result at the end of the long trip down to Plymouth all the same, given the enviable strength of his squad.
He has Crysencio Summerville to rely on as one of the stars in the Championship this season, while Dan James is back from injury after virtually matching the Dutchman for weeks prior to his lay-off.
In the Welsh international’s absence the eternally exit-linked Willy Gnonto has stepped into the breach and scored four times in six starts since the beginning of 2024, including in the 4-1 FA Cup win on the last visit to Home Park on 6 February.
Form is excellent and confidence is high but Farke is also without Patrick Bamford, himself having exploded into life since the New Year, so the players will have to remain focused to keep up their winning run.
And the hope will be that Anthony is okay and is able to rejoin the squad as soon as is reasonably possible.
In other Leeds United news, a series of permanent exits from Elland Road have been predicted by Hay after a recent development.
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