Leeds United could be without Georginio Rutter for the first time since August at Rotherham United tomorrow.
Daniel Farke confirmed in his press conference on Wednesday that Rutter is a ‘major doubt’ for the game after picking up an abdominal strain on international duty for France’s U21s.
Rutter has started every game since the third match of the season against West Bromwich Albion and has gone from strength to strength with three goals and five assists.
Due to his ability to drop deep, be creative and dribble with the ball, Leeds‘ attack is pretty much entirely built around him and so his absence would be extremely hard felt.
Farke has hinted that Patrick Bamford could be the man to come in if Rutter doesn’t make it, but he should instead consider handing Wilfried Gnonto a start instead.
Farke should start Gnonto if Rutter doesn’t make it
Gnonto has not played an awful lot since his return from injury last month but his return of four goals in two matches for Italy U21s over the last week should boost his confidence.
The 20-year-old was playing in a more central role which clearly suited him given his goals and the fact the Italian media labelled him the best player on the pitch in both matches.
Bamford does not really possess the attributes to replace Rutter in attack, but Gnonto – if considerably smaller in stature – can offer something much closer.
Gnonto’s strength lays in his ability to beat defenders and Leeds aren’t exactly going to be pumping long balls into his chest for him to hold up, making his height irrelevant.
He has the pace like Rutter to get in behind and won’t take up the spaces Joel Piroe enjoys ghosting into from deep, which Bamford is more likely to do. Friday is the perfect chance to let him continue the form he has built up over this international break.
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