It was a disappointing night for the 21’s as Michael Skubala’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to League One outfit Bolton Wanderers – but could the Leeds 21’s line-up actually hint that Willy Gnonto might finally make his debut on Thursday?
Gnonto, 18, joined Leeds on deadline day but is yet to make his senior debut. Instead, he has remained an unused sub against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace – and was not even part of the matchday side during Sunday’s loss to Arsenal.
Instead, he has been a regular for the 21’s. He played almost all of the 6-2 win over Southampton, and 90 minutes against Tranmere in the EFL Cup. Then, the Italy international got the winner in a 1-0 PL2 win over Sunderland.
But on Tuesday night, Gnonto was nowhere to be seen. That is despite the inclusion of Mateo Joseph, Cody Drameh and Darko Gyabi – all of which have been training with the first team. Could it be a hint ahead of Thursday?
Could Leeds 21’s line-up hint Gnonto might make debut on Thursday?
It has been a bit of a surprise to Leeds fans that Gnonto has not yet been used. Against Villa, fair enough. Leeds had gone down to 10 men and earning a point was the priority. But at Palace, an attacking spark was required.
Gnonto could have provided that. Jesse Marsch literally has a six-time Italy international on the bench. One with huge speed and power, one that is capable of scoring goals. He would have made a difference had he been used.
Leaving him out of the side against Arsenal is a complete mystery. But perhaps, Marsch is listening. His absence on Tuesday night at Bolton might be a sign he is back on the bench for Leicester, with a view to making his debut.
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