Yet more Leeds United players ruled out of Premier League clash v Arsenal
Willy Gnonto and Max Wober have joined the growing Leeds United injury list and will miss the Whites' trip to Arsenal, Javi Gracia has confirmed.
Gnonto suffered an ankle injury whilst on international duty with Italy and won't be fit to feature against the league leaders on Saturday (1 April).
Wober is also out with a hamstring issue and needs more time to recover after his setback whilst representing Austria. The pair join Tyler Adams, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas on the sidelines.
We'll see Tyler's evolution and if he can play again this season," said Gracia (Leeds Live, 30 March).
"Max and Willy had different injuries. Hamstring and ankle. See their evolution, but they need time and they are out of the game."
Free hit
This really is a free hit for Gracia's side. Arsenal have been dismissive of pretty much any side which has travelled to The Emirates, and they will be until the season's end. Therefore, a point would be a remarkable result if it can be achieved.
Ensuring the score stays 1-0 for as long as possible is an absolute must for the Whites. Everton learnt a harsh lesson earlier this month when they shipped two quick goals on the stroke of halftime. Staying defensively sound and remaining a threat on the counterattack is what Gracia will be targeting.
Gnonto's absence is a big blow. The Italian's pace and directness is exactly what's required when playing the bigger sides away from home and he could've caused Arsenal plenty of issues on the break.
After the trip to Arsenal, Leeds face two massive home fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace which could define the Yorkshire side's season.