NafisaLeeds United will finally return to Premier League action this weekend with Daniel Farke’s side facing a difficult opening-day trip to Nottingham Forest.
After an encouraging pre-season, expectations around Elland Road are understandably high.
The Whites have enjoyed some impressive results during their preparations, including victories over Liverpool, Sunderland and RB Leipzig, and will now be hoping to carry that momentum into competitive football.
But Farke has been handed an early selection headache before Leeds even kick off their Premier League campaign.
The German has confirmed that two players will definitely miss the trip to the City Ground.
Farke confirms double injury blow
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Farke confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson will both be unavailable for Saturday’s clash.
Gnonto suffered a hamstring problem shortly before Leeds’ final pre-season fixture at Elland Road, while Gudmundsson has been sidelined since picking up an injury during the friendly against Liverpool in Chicago.
Farke provided an update on both players.
«“Willy Gnonto will miss this game to do his hamstring injury; I hope to have him back in team training soon, but he will miss this game.”»
He then confirmed Gudmundsson would also remain unavailable.
«“And also Gabi Gudmundsson obviously is still out for this game. Them two will definitely miss this match.”»
The good news is that there do not appear to be any further immediate concerns within the squad.
Farke added:
«“All the others at the moment, as it stands, are available.”»
That will come as a relief to Leeds supporters with the opening game now just days away.
Leeds’ strong pre-season raises expectations
The injuries come at an unfortunate time for Leeds, particularly after the positive momentum generated during the summer.
Farke has overseen a busy recruitment drive, with the club strengthening several areas of the squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The new arrivals have also had opportunities to integrate into the manager’s system throughout pre-season.
Leeds have looked capable of competing against strong opposition, with the victories over Liverpool and RB Leipzig providing particular encouragement.
Now, however, the real test begins.
Nottingham Forest away represents a challenging opening fixture, particularly with Oliver Glasner looking to make his mark at the City Ground.
Farke will be hoping his team can reproduce the intensity and attacking quality they showed during pre-season despite the absence of two important players.
Injuries could force another transfer move
The absence of Gudmundsson could also increase the pressure on Leeds’ recruitment department.
The Swedish international has been an important option at left-back, but his latest injury adds to concerns over depth in the position.
Leeds are already understood to be looking at potential reinforcements at left-back, and Gudmundsson’s latest setback could make that need even more obvious.
There is also a tactical consideration.
Leeds do not have an abundance of natural left-footed options in that area, meaning another addition could provide Farke with greater balance and flexibility.
The situation involving Gnonto could also influence the club’s thinking in attack.
The Italian provides direct running and a different attacking profile to some of Leeds’ other options.
His absence leaves Farke with one fewer player capable of stretching opposition defences in that manner.
Farke could want more attacking depth
Leeds’ attacking options have already been under scrutiny.
Last season, Gnonto and Dan James struggled to provide the kind of consistent end product expected of them, particularly in front of goal.
With Leeds now operating at Premier League level, competition for places will be considerably tougher and the margin for error much smaller.
The club are therefore expected to continue exploring the market before the transfer window closes.
Another attacker could yet arrive, while the left-back position remains an area that requires attention.
For Farke, the timing could hardly be more important.
Leeds have spent heavily to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League, but injuries are already testing their depth before the first competitive ball has even been kicked.
The trip to Nottingham Forest will therefore provide an early indication of whether the summer recruitment has given Farke enough options.
The manager has confirmed that most of his squad is available.
But Gnonto and Gudmundsson are definitely out — and that could have consequences beyond Saturday’s opening fixture.
Nafisa
