Wilfried Gnonto faces fight to get back in at Leeds United after injury news
Wilfried Gnonto faces a tough battle to reclaim his place at Leeds United due to the recent performances of Daniel James after Daniel Farke confirmed the Italian will return from his injury against Norwich.
Gnonto hasn’t featured for Leeds since the 0-0 draw with Hull City on 20 September, after he picked up an ankle injury which required surgery, but Farke revealed he will be in the travelling squad on Saturday.
James, though, will not want to give up his place in the side easily, and his recent displays for Leeds and Wales have put forward a compelling case to remain in Farke’s first-team plans.
The flying winger has six goal contributions in his last six games for club and country, picking up three assists while on international duty with Wales to build on his recent club form which has made him a regular feature in Farke’s side.
Ongoing injury issues including the circumstances with Gnonto had of course helped James get into the side, but he will not give his place away easily. The Welshman scored the opener in Leeds’ last game, and recorded five successful crosses and four attempted dribbles with his influence out wide key to the victory. [Sofascore]
While on international duty, he recorded three assists, four key passes, 11 crosses, and competed in 14 duels in a combined 108 minutes of football.
Gnonto, meanwhile, played 90 minutes across his last two games, recording no key passes, attempting just two crosses and attempting just two dribbles, but did compete in an impressive 18 duels. [Sofascore]
Farke will now have a decision to make over which man he trusts to start on the wing, but James’ recent performances have put him in with a good chance when he previously would have been something of an afterthought when it came to competition with the Italian international.
In other Leeds United news, official talks will begin soon for a player to leave for good.