Willy Gnonto not with Leeds United squad for clash v Preston at Elland Road
Willy Gnonto is not with the Leeds United squad at Elland Road to face Preston North End, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist reported via X on 21 January as the players arrived at the stadium ahead of the early kick-off that the exit-linked attacker was not in attendance.
Daniel Farke had indicated that the Italian international was a doubt ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference, as he is struggling with a hip flexor [Leeds Live, 19 January].
The German had revealed that the youngster hadn’t been able to train for a few days, and he clearly hasn’t recovered sufficiently to join the squad.
Timing
Farke needs all the options he has at his disposal to keep up the push for promotion, especially now that Southampton appear to have hit top form.
The fact that Gnonto is suddenly not involved during the January transfer window when there has been speculation that he might leave in the winter ever since his push to do so in the summer was held back might seem more than coincidental for some.
The Whites are finding it difficult to do much incoming business so far and a possible exit for the winger would free up funds to add at full-back where numbers are now very light after the exits of Djed Spence and Luke Ayling.
Matteo Moretto reported via Fabrizio Romano’s Substack column on 20 January that Gnonto wants to leave this month and is trying to do so.
However, from Farke’s point of view it would be risky to let attacking players leave this month without replacements lined up or he would be left with the same problem he is now trying to address in defence.
The manager was pretty up front about Gnonto’s situation during the previous window when he pushed for a move to Everton, so it seems like, for now, the injury explanation is accurate.
In other Leeds United news, one player has responded directly to questions from Phil Hay over the “frustration” and “anger” after he signed a deal to leave the club permanently.
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