NafisaLeeds United’s preparations for the new Premier League season have taken an unwanted turn, with Daniel Farke handed a fresh injury concern just days before the Whites begin their campaign.
Farke’s side have enjoyed an encouraging pre-season so far, recording impressive victories over Sunderland and Liverpool before holding Manchester United to a draw in Dublin.
With Leeds looking much more settled ahead of their return to the top flight, supporters have every reason to feel optimistic about the new campaign.
However, Saturday’s final pre-season fixture against Augsburg brought some worrying news.
Ilia Gruev and Gabriel Gudmundsson had already been the two notable absentees heading into the Augsburg clash.
Gruev is still recovering from the injury he suffered towards the end of last season, although his recovery is understood to be progressing well.
Gudmundsson, meanwhile, has been ruled out for a period of time and could miss Leeds’ opening Premier League fixture away to Nottingham Forest next weekend.
Unfortunately for Farke, another important player has now joined the injury list.
According to Adam Pope, Wilfried Gnonto has picked up a hamstring injury.
There is currently no confirmed timeframe for the Italian winger’s return, but the timing is particularly frustrating with Leeds’ first Premier League game now just around the corner.
Gnonto had looked sharp during pre-season and provided an assist in Leeds’ victory over RB Leipzig last weekend.
His absence would therefore represent another significant blow for Farke as he prepares for the trip to Nottingham Forest.
Gnonto injury could change Leeds transfer plans
The injury could also have an immediate impact on Leeds’ transfer strategy.
Farke already wanted more quality in the attacking areas before the deadline, but losing Gnonto makes the need for another wide player even more obvious.
Leeds do not have an abundance of options capable of providing the pace, creativity and directness that Gnonto brings to the team.
The Whites have added Harry Wilson this summer, but further attacking reinforcement has been expected.
Gnonto’s injury could now accelerate those plans.
It also complicates any potential decision over the player’s own future. There have been questions about whether Leeds would consider allowing the Italian to leave this summer, but an injury at this stage of the window makes that scenario considerably more difficult.
With the season starting next weekend, Leeds cannot afford to suddenly find themselves short of attacking options.
Leeds still looking for more attacking quality
The need for improvement in the final third was already clear.
Dan James and Gnonto combined for only one goal in all competitions last season, while Leeds have been expected to explore the market for additional attacking quality.
The club have been linked with several forwards in recent weeks, including AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao.
A move for the Portugal international would obviously represent a huge financial undertaking, but the growing need for another attacking option could make Leeds even more determined to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
The 49ers have already backed Farke with significant investment this summer, with James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson among the major additions.
Joe Gelhardt has also now completed his permanent move to Hull City, creating further room within the squad.
But the latest injury to Gnonto could force Leeds to rethink their priorities.
With Gudmundsson also facing a spell on the sidelines, Farke suddenly has two important wide players dealing with fitness issues at almost exactly the same time.
That is hardly ideal with the Premier League opener approaching.
Leeds have shown plenty of promise during pre-season, but the latest developments underline why Farke and the club’s recruitment team cannot afford to take their foot off the accelerator.
The transfer deadline is still some weeks away, giving the Whites time to find reinforcements.
For now, though, the immediate concern will be determining the extent of Gnonto’s hamstring problem and whether he has any chance of recovering in time for the trip to Nottingham Forest.
Nafisa
