Leeds United: Graham Smyth shares why Jaidon Anthony won't play v Stoke City

Journalist Graham Smyth has revealed Jaidon Anthony won't play for Leeds United against Stoke City as it is his mother's funeral.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (4 March), the Yorkshire Evening Post reporter revealed why the winger won't be present at Elland Road for the game after Daniel Farke shared that he would be missing the game due to "personal reasons".

Anthony's mother tragically passed away in January, with the winger missing a handful of fixtures since then as well as scoring against Plymouth in the FA Cup.

Leeds United must win for Jaidon and Donna Anthony

The team are obviously highly motivated to win the game on Tuesday night as they chase automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

But knowing that their teammate and close friend is going through such a torrid time personally, they should be finding extra motivation in this game to win for him and give him a little something to smile about.

Anthony has struggled to break into the Leeds team since joining in a last-minute loan deal in the summer from Bournemouth, with Luis Sinisterra going the other way.

But the quality he has shown in glimpses along with the focus, determination and discipline to get his head down and work hard to prove himself rather than complain has made him a favourite at the club.

It's an emotional time for him but the fans showed him great love upon his initial return to action after the news, and they will surely roar their team on for another big performance in Donna's honour one last time without him on the pitch.

In other Leeds news, international duo to be axed in predicted lineup vs Stoke City.

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