Daniel Farke admits fear of potential ‘serious injury’ for Leeds United star Willy Gnonto
Leeds United appear to have avoided a “serious injury” to Willy Gnonto after a scan revealed his shoulder problem was just a bruise, Daniel Farke has confirmed.
The German admitted he had been concerned about the Italian attacker after he went down hurt in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Friday (18 October), speaking three days later ahead of the next game against Watford.
Gnonto received treatment in the first half against the Blades after landing heavily on his shoulder and his manager was worried that adrenaline may have been masking a major problem, but expects him to be available against the Hornets.
Farke said (13m 40s): “Very close [to substituting Gnonto], I brought Manor Solomon to the bench after 10 minutes and he got rid of his warm-up clothes but Willy gave a sign of improving.
“I was a bit nervous after the game because sometimes with all the adrenaline you can keep going but there is a serious injury.
“But we’ve scanned him and thank God it’s just a bruise on his shoulder when he fell down after a little foul and no major injury. It was a bit painful but has already eased up a little bit and for that I think he is available.”
Leeds United unscathed for Watford after Sheffield United win
Farke has already had to contend with a significant injury crisis this term with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both ruled out for months in midfield.
Tottenham loanee Solomon and Dan James have also both missed time in the wide areas, so it was a welcome relief that the Whites had made it through the excellent win over Chris Wilder and the Blades without any new issues.
Leeds United could go top with a win over Watford, with Sunderland and Burnley above them not playing until the following night, which would cap off a major return to form in recent weeks.
An uncertain start to the campaign felt like it was partially self-inflicted as the Whites came lurching out of a transfer window that saw them dashing around late looking to restock when plans should have been made in advance.
Farke wasn’t happy with his bosses [Square Ball, 12 September] and the fans were increasingly unhappy with him [Yorkshire Evening Post, 15 September], but after back-to-back performances against Sunderland and Sheffield United which would have banked six points but for Illan Meslier’s mysterious gaffe at the Stadium of Light confidence is being restored that promotion could be on the cards.
The Championship is infamously long and filled with twists, as the Whites discovered by falling off a cliff down the stretch last term.
And while Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell are currently making a mockery of the midfield injury crisis it would only take a couple more key absences to change things.
But with everyone available from the Blades win, including Gnonto, there will be high hopes of a repeat performance at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Jurgen Klopp could be about to provide a clear indication of Red Bull’s designs on the Whites.
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