Good Morning, it's Tuesday 25th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Gnonto Returns to Leeds After Ankle Injury on International Duty Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto has cut short his international duty and returned to Thorp Arch training ground after sustaining an ankle injury while representing Italy's Under-21 side. The 21-year-old was forced off the pitch just before halftime during Italy's friendly match against the Netherlands Under-21 on Friday. Following assessment, he was declared 'unavailable' for the Azzurrini's upcoming clash with Denmark U21 on Monday. Gnonto's early return to Leeds is to allow the club's medical staff to thoroughly evaluate the extent of the injury. The club are hoping to gain a clearer picture of the severity of the issue in the coming days. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is expected to address the situation during his pre-Swansea City press conference on Thursday afternoon. He will likely be questioned about Gnonto's condition and the potential impact on the team's upcoming fixtures. Gnonto played a staring role against QPR earlier this month, as the Whites fought back from 2-0 down to win a share of the spoils. He was widely tipped to replace Aaronson for the coveted No.10 position against Swansea City at the weekend, which now seems unlikely. please log in to view this image Gnonto's Injury and its potential impact As we wait for updates on the severity of Wilfred Gnonto's injury, the team's reliance on the young forward comes into focus. At just 21 years old, Gnonto has already made significant contributions, scoring five goals and assisting five more in his 1801 minutes of game time this season. However, his playing time has been limited in 2025. Since starting against Derby County on 29th December, when Brenden Aaronson's late goal ensured the win at Pride Park, Gnonto has seen his minutes dwindle. He has been restricted to just 162 minutes of league action in that time, with only one notable impact - a well-taken goal in the 7-0 thrashing of Cardiff City in February. The reason for Gnonto's reduced role is the magnificent form of Manor Solomon and Dan James. The duo have been the standout players in Daniel Farke's squad, driving Leeds forward with their attacking flair and consistency. It's been impossible for Farke to justify dropping the in-form pair. As a result, Gnonto and Largie Ramazani, who has himself managed just 126 league minutes this year, have been left to stagnate on the substitutes' bench. Leeds' lack of rotation and failure to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window have taken a toll on the team's overall depth and freshness. Players like Brenden Aaronson, Joel Rodon and Jaiden Bogle have been asked to carry the load game after game, with minimal respite. This could have long-term implications if Gnonto's injury proves serious. While still raw, Gnonto's pace, skill and directness offer something different for Leeds. His ability to unlock stubborn defences and stretch opposition backlines is a valuable asset. Losing him would deprive Farke of an important option and put even more pressure on the likes of Solomon and James. please log in to view this image
Morning all. Saw a few rumours yesterday he's expected to be out for 3 weeks. No idea how valid rumours are as with most internet rubbish, But that would be a disaster, around five games which doesn't leave most of season/ Whatever logic of players being allowed away to play senior football, and they shouldn't this late in the season, it is utterly unbelievable that vital senior players are away playing meaningless kiddies football. To be without Ampadu and Willy for the run in would be disappointing to say the least and a big test of remainder of squad. Here's hoping no more casualties
Morning all Three weeks from the time of the injury is two weeks left, let’s hope it’s not longer 12th April home to Preston is the home run, 5 games to go from that date. No injuries tonight please, Solomon, James, Rodon all playing
Aaronson's engine has kept him at the No10 position. I doubt Gnonto has the same tracking back qualities anyway.
Gnoto injury not the worse case scenario. We’re top of the league with Aaronson playing at number 10 for most of the season, he’s had a break so we should be fine. My worry would be a Tanaka, Rodon or James getting injured.
Tanaka wasn’t even subbed. **** his club that pays his wages, let’s play him the whole 90 minutes in a dead rubber.
A few Japan fans have said Tanaka was slow, I’d imagine with the flight, he’s going to come back knackered Aaronson - Is it a good move allowing him to get mentally straight by visiting family or a silly decision. If he traveled at the start and is already back in the UK fine, if he’s not yet back a stupid decision
Question is with 14 or so players away did we have any training at all. If not then might as well let aaronsson go
Nipped onto the Swansea forum, all pretty much said the same, Wales lost their way when James came off so it sounds like he was having a good game. That extra 30 minutes before the end might be ideal for us Firpo sat out the first two friendlies but played yesterday scoring a penalty
