Willy Gnonto latest as four players to miss Burnley vs Leeds clash
Leeds United return to Premier League action when they travel to Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds are projected to avoid relegation after a great start to the campaign, which has seen them win two of their opening seven matches.
The Elland Road outfit visit Turf Moor on 18 October with a chance to put some distance between themselves and the drop zone.
Daniel Farke will hope that his side can take it, and pass the latest test with flying colours, but they have a few issues heading into the game.
Leeds may be without four players vs Burnley
Leeds have several injury issues for the Burnley clash, which is potentially crucial to their chances of survival.
Farke confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Gnonto will miss the clash against the Clarets after undergoing hernia surgery in the international break.
Speaking on 16 October, he said: “With Willy, he won’t be able to be with us for this game. His calf issue is sorted, but he used the international break to have a little hernia surgery.
“It’s not a major thing, but he will be back in team training next week and maybe available for next Friday.”
He also ruled out Harry Gray, with Dan James and Noah Okafor not in contention for the clash either, although the Welsh international could make the bench.
When will Gnonto return for Leeds?
Farke suggests that the Italian winger will be back for the clash with West Ham on 24 October, which would be a huge boost for the Whites.
Gnonto notched nine goals and six assists last season in the Championship, and he provides Farke’s side with an outlet, a pacy one at that.
- Gnonto has featured five times this season, four games in the league and one in the Carabao Cup
- He has started three of those four league appearances
- He is yet to record a goal or an assist in those matches
The sooner that he returns to action, the better, especially given that neither James nor Okafor are in contention for starting places, with their own issues.
If the Whites are to survive, they need their most impactful players to stay injury-free, and that is even more important when they are facing rivals for the relegation battle.
Farke will have to do without several key players this time around, and hopefully his side can still get the job done.
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