Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has stated that Wilfried Gnonto will be out for an extended length of time.
Farke was speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Watford, during which he provided a concerning update on the injury he sustained on Wednesday night.
Gnonto was taken off in the first 20 minutes of Leeds’ 0-0 draw at Hull City after apparently injuring his ankle.
Farke has confirmed Leeds’ worst concerns, with Gnonto – described as ‘terrific’ by Leon Osman – suffering ankle ligament damage, in a major setback for the Whites.
Leeds have yet to provide an exact timetable for Gnonto’s absence, but with these kind of injuries, he is expected to be out for several weeks.
Farke says that Gnonto has ankle ligament injury.
Farke gave the update during his press conference this afternoon, stating that Leeds will know more this afternoon once he has been completely evaluated.
“Unfortunately, bad news with him,” he remarked. He ruptured his lateral ankle ligament. This afternoon, we await the assessment. He’s not going to be available tomorrow.”
This will be a significant setback to Farke, since Gnonto is undoubtedly one of Leeds’ most prominent players at the front end of the game, and the club fought hard to keep him throughout the summer.
However, Leeds are loaded with options in the wide positions this season, and his absence will allow the likes of Jaidon Anthony, who joined on deadline day from Bournemouth, to enjoy a longer run in the team.
Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, and Ian Poveda should also provide Farke adequate choices in the time it takes Gnonto to recover, though his loss will undoubtedly be felt.