Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed Wilfried Gnonto is set for a sustained period on the sidelines.
Farke was speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Watford, where he produced a worrying update on the injury he picked up on Wednesday night.
Gnonto was forced off inside the opening 20 minutes of Leeds’ 0-0 draw at Hull City after seemingly picking up a knock to his ankle.
Farke has confirmed Leeds’ worse fears, though, with Gnonto – described as ‘terrific’ by Leon Osman, having suffered ankle ligament damage, in what is a big blow for the Whites.
So far, Leeds have been unable to put an exact timeline on how long Gnonto will be out for, but with these type of injuries, it is likely he will miss several weeks.
Farke confirms Gnonto suffers ankle ligament damage
Farke provided the update in his press conference this afternoon, and says Leeds will know more this afternoon once he is fully assessed.
He said: “Sadly bad news with him. He’s done his lateral ankle ligament. We wait for the assessment this afternoon. He’ll definitely not be available tomorrow.”
This will come as a huge blow to Farke with Gnonto clearly among Leeds’ most influential players at the front end of the pitch after fighting so hard to keep him over the summer.
That said, Leeds are stacked with options in the wide positions this season and his absence will provide the likes of Jaidon Anthony the chance to enjoy a prolonged run in the side following his deadline day move from Bournemouth.
Crysencio Summerville, Dan James and Ian Poveda should also provide Farke with enough options in the time it takes Gnonto to return, though there is no doubt his absence will be a huge blow.
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