Daniel Farke names key Leeds star in squad to face Watford at Elland Road despite ‘nervous’ injury scare

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Daniel Farke’s squad have had a nice few days to recover ahead of Leeds United’s clash with Watford at Elland Road.

The Whites will be looking to make it back-to-back home wins in the space of five days knowing a win would take them top of the Championship, temporarily at least.

Watford travel to West Yorkshire on the back of three successive away defeats by a margin of three goals but remain among the sides in contention for a play-off spot, at this stage.

Farke has no fresh injury concerns to contend with heading into the match but must consider the prospect of rotation, with key duo Manor Solomon and Dan James now back fully fit.

Mateo Joseph will also be pushing to start for Leeds after his goal off the bench against Sheffield United on Friday night, his second of the season.

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Farke makes Wilfried Gnonto decision for Leeds

Despite confirmation from Farke that everyone who was available against the Blades will be again tonight, that wasn’t without its doubt.

Inside the opening 10 minutes of Friday night’s Yorkshire derby win, Wilfried Gnonto was seen clutching his shoulder after going down under a challenge.

Farke came very close to taking Gnonto off and in his press conference yesterday, admitted he was ‘nervous’ about the potential of an injury.

However, in the end the issue just turned out to be bruising and according to Leeds Live, that means he is in the squad for tonight’s match against Watford.

Gnonto has arguably been Leeds’ main man in attack this season with two goals and four assists already, and despite the return of Solomon and James, Farke will not want to lose him for any period of time.

Farke isn’t a huge fan of mass rotation and so anytime Gnonto is available, it is highly likely Farke will name him in the starting XI.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke reckons Leeds United would be in the Premier League if player was available at Elland Road last season

Every word Farke said about Gnonto’s injury for Leeds

As mentioned, Farke was on the verge of replacing Gnonto on Friday night but thankfully the Italian gave the message to the bench he was fine.

Even despite that, Farke was still nervous Gnonto had sustained some actual damage to his shoulder, though scans have since proved otherwise.

He said: “Very close [to substituting him]. I brought Manor Solomon to the bench after 10 minutes and got rid of his warm-up clothes. Willy gave the sign it was improving. I was nervous after the game.

“Adrenaline can keep you going but we scanned him after the game and it is just a bruise to his shoulder. It was a bit painful after the game but it has already eased up a little bit and he will be available.”