The international break has been largely successful for the majority of the 16 Leeds United players currently representing their countries – but not for Wilfried Gnonto.
Five players have scored for their countries during the break in Sam Chambers, Mateo Joseph, Dan James, Diogo Monteiro and Rasmus Kristensen while Manor Solomon laid on a crucial assist for his Israel side.
Leeds’ players will be returning to Thorp Arch this week in drips and drabs, with two already having come back. One of those is Ilia Gruev after playing two 90 minutes for Bulgaria, losing to Ireland twice 2-1.
The other is Wilfried Gnonto. After picking up and injury and coming off at half-time during a 2-1 loss to The Netherlands with Italy’s U21 side, Gnonto is back at Thorp Arch after suffering an ankle problem.
The timing could not have been worse for Wilfried Gnonto
The 13-time Italy star was missing during the 21’s draw with Denmark on Monday but the timing could not be worse for Gnonto. Struggling to start for Leeds in the last few months, he may have been about to.
With Gnonto replacing Brenden Aaronson at QPR at half-time and creating the equaliser, he might have got his chance from the start against Swansea. But instead, Gnonto may now be missing altogether.
It is also not the first time Gnonto has picked up an ankle injury. There has been no update in regards to how long Gnonto will be injured for, but Daniel Farke will speak to reports on Thursday afternoon.
Gnonto’s previous ankle injuries and how much he missed
His first ankle injury on the books at Leeds came after representing Italy’s senior side against Malta in March 2023. It saw him miss a 4-1 loss to Arsenal, and fail to start for the next six Premier League games.
The second came last season, suffering a knock to his ankle during a 0-0 draw against Hull – a game in which Joe Rodon was sent off. Gnonto missed a total of four games after his second ankle problem.
| Ankle injuries | Sustained | Games missed | Games until next start | Days between injury and next start |
| March 2023 | Italy vs Malta | 1 | 6 | 39 |
| September 2023 | Leeds vs Hull | 4 | 5 | 35 |
If the injury is as bad as the ones he has picked up previously, Gnonto may not start again for five weeks. However, his first ankle issue may have seen Javi Gracia bring him back in slowly, instead of risking him.
Leeds have Swansea on Saturday before taking on Luton Town and then Middlesbrough with the run-in taking shape. Daniel Farke will be desperate to have Gnonto ready to go and at his disposal, at Leeds.
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