Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto requires minor surgery that will rule him out until after the next international break, reporter Phil Hay has confirmed.
The Italy international was forced off with an ankle injury during the first half of Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Hull City on Wednesday [20 September].
Daniel Farke revealed Gnonto had damaged his “lateral ankle ligament”, but he could not put a timeframe on his return to action, only that he would definitely sit out the meeting with Watford on Saturday [23 September].
However, in an update provided on Twitter after the 3-0 win over Watford at Elland Road, The Athletic journalist Hay revealed that Gnonto will be out of action for at least another month.
“Update on Gnonto – he needs minor surgery, although on a bone rather than on his injured ligament,” Hay said. “He’ll be out until after the next international break.
A lay-off for Gnonto was always expected after Farke confirmed the “bad news” of the extent of his injury earlier in the week, but this update is still a big blow.
The 19-year-old was just starting to find his feet after the fallout from the summer transfer saga involving Everton had finally started to die down.
While Gnonto has only registered a solitary goal this season, he has produced some strong displays and more than played his part in the impressive 3-0 win over Millwall last week
The good news for Farke is that he has plenty of attacking options, with Crysencio Summerville used on the left against Watford and Daniel James on the right, flanking Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter.
Jaidon Anthony came off the bench to score Leeds’ third goal in a 3-0 win against the Hornets, so it is clear United can cope without Gnonto for now.
That said, Farke will be glad to have the Italian back available whenever that may be.
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