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Willy Gnonto predicted to be ‘key man’ this winter, Leeds United ace ‘itching’ to play
Willy Gnonto is set to be a “key man” for Leeds United in the winter months, according to Leeds Live journalist William Jackson.
The winger has missed his club’s last four Championship matches due to injury, having been forced off just 21 minutes into the clash with Hull City last month.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been able to call upon the likes of Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony and Dan James in Gnonto’s absence.
“Gnonto hasn’t been seen since being helped off the field in the first half of Leeds’ draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium in September,” Jackson wrote for Leeds Live.
“The Italy international has since gone under the knife for a minor procedure on his foot but he isn’t expected to be out for long and having missed four straight games, he’ll be itching to get back into the action.
“Gnonto ought to be a key man for Farke as the winter months draw in and the manager will be glad to see him on the verge of making a return to action.”
Star man
Gnonto has had quite a dramatic time at Elland Road, despite the winger being there for a very long time. The youngster burst onto the scene following his arrival in West Yorkshire, with many top Premier League defenders struggling to deal with his pace and trickery.
He wasn’t exactly setting the top flight alight in terms of goals and assists, but the teenager’s deadly displays still caught the eye. They did, however, drop off as the months went on, with the young winger often finding himself on the bench.
And after a hectic summer in which it looked like he would be moving on, Gnonto has stayed at Elland Road and has enjoyed his time on the pitch so far.
Unfortunately, however, his season has been disrupted by injury, with the player and his manager keen for a return to the pitch as soon as possible, with that return potentially coming shortly after the current international break.
In other Leeds United news, a high-quality Whites star struggled to involve himself against Bristol City, according to one BBC Sport pundit.