Javi Gracia drops hint when asked if Leeds duo will return against Nottingham Forest

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Javi Gracia has told Monday’s press conference – as per the Yorkshire Evening Post – that Willy Gnonto and Max Wober could return for Leeds United’s clash against Nottingham Forest, hinting there could be “different faces”.

Leeds were without both Wober and Gnonto on Saturday as Gracia suffered his heaviest defeat as Leeds boss. A 4-1 hammering by league leaders Arsenal, despite playing well for the first 30 minutes and keeping Arsenal at bay.

Wober picked up a hamstring injury in Austria’s 4-1 win over Azerbaijan during the international break. A few days later, Gnonto suffered an injury to his ankle – having earned a start for Roberto Mancini’s Italy, a 2-0 win over Malta.

Both were missing on Saturday and Gracia likes to remain tight-lipped when discussing the availability of his injured players. Asked about Gnonto and Wober, he hinted that there might be some different faces in the squad.

“Our situation is not good about injured players. All the medical staff, all the injured players are working really hard to recover as soon as possible but in two, three days things don’t change,” Gracia told Monday’s press conference.

“Maybe we’ll have some different options for tomorrow but we have to prepare for the game with the players we have and it’s our mentality in this moment. Be positive, try to play a good game for us and play with our best XI.”

Gracia: Gnonto and Wober could return for Leeds clash against Forest

After Leeds slipped into the relegation zone on Monday night, thanks to Michael Keane’s glorious strike for the Toffees to draw 1-1 with Tottenham, Leeds need a result against Forest. It really needs to be three points, not one.

And certainly, not a loss. Gracia will know a loss in this fixture will completely demoralise a fanbase that have had his back so far. Fans will begin to turn. A controlling performance, as Leeds did against Southampton, is much-needed.

Having Gnonto and Wober just in the squad will give everyone a lift, even if they are not starting. Using them for the last 15 minutes or something will be a very positive boost. Hopefully, it can come in the midst of a Leeds United win.