Leeds dealt injury blows to key players over international break

[YorkshireSquare]

Leeds United fans have had mixed news this international break. On the positive side, Crysencio Summerville scored an excellent goal for the Netherlands under-21s in their 3-0 win over Norway, while Mateo Joseph scored twice on his first start for England Under-20s. Summerville's goal was a sublime piece of skill, as he got past a defender and then angled the ball into the net from a tight angle. In the England Under-20 group, Mateo Joseph scored twice on his first start, including the game’s opener, as the Young Lions defeated the United States in Marbella.

But it wasn’t all good news, with injuries to key players. Defender Max Wober sustained a muscle injury in his thigh while on international duty for Austria and will return to Elland Road on Sunday. Wober had to be substituted after just 34 minutes in Austria's 4-1 win over Azerbaijan, with Stefan Posch replacing him. This injury could be a significant setback for Leeds, as Wober has been outstanding since his arrival in the January transfer window.





Things got even worse on Sunday when Wilfried Gnonto suffered an ankle injury during Italy's Euro qualifier against Malta. Gnonto had just scored his debut goal in the previous match against England. However, he had to leave the field shortly after appearing to twist his ankle while dribbling past a defender. Despite trying to continue, the wing wizard had to be replaced, leaving Mancini worried on the side lines.

The extent of the injuries until the players are assessed by the Leeds United medical team, but it could be a huge blow to Javi Gracia, especially with Tyler Adams already out with a hamstring injury. Gnonto has scored 4 goals and made 3 assists since his arrival from FC Zurich in the summer whilst Wober has had a transformational effect on Leeds United’s defence since his transfer from Red Bull Salzburg in January.

Leeds face league leaders Arsenal on Saturday but the upcoming games in April against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Bournemouth will be crucial for Leeds United’s Premier League survival. Gracia will hope to have a strong squad to pick from as Leeds face their rivals in the bottom half of the table.


Wilfried Gnonto, Max Wober, Crysencio Summerville, Mateo Joseph

[The Subhuman]

Next men up... Sinisterra must be close and a class replacement for Gnonto if he can't go. Summerville is another that could replace Wilfrid

Struijk or Coop could come in and do a good job for Wober... The defensive scheme is no longer set up to fail which is the key difference

[weasel]

Next men up... Sinisterra must be close and a class replacement for Gnonto if he can't go. Summerville is another that could replace Wilfrid

Struijk or Coop could come in and do a good job for Wober... The defensive scheme is no longer set up to fail which is the key difference

Like you say Sini and Summerville should both be chomping at the bit to replace Gnonto if he is ruled out. Sinisterra should hopefully be at near full fitness now with having a couple more weeks to work on his fitness. Like you have mentioned the whole team set up now is different and that should mean it shouldn't be too much of a disruption if Cooper or Struyjk replaces Wober, key point being either of them would be playing in their best position on the side that they prefer - unlike when Llorente was playing on a side that clearly didn't suit him. Tailor made now for Cooper to come in and ping his long diagonal passes out to the wing to Gnonto... oh hang on Sini/Summerville.

We have to look at the positives as well as the negatives. Rodrigo and Sini have both had a couple of weeks to build up their fitness, Bamford too. So hopefully those 3 should all now be sharp.

[YorkshireSquare]

Next men up... Sinisterra must be close and a class replacement for Gnonto if he can't go. Summerville is another that could replace Wilfrid

Struijk or Coop could come in and do a good job for Wober... The defensive scheme is no longer set up to fail which is the key difference

I'm more concerned about Wober than Gnonto, especially with Harrison finding some form again and Sini comeing back.

Wober calemed the whole defence down, made Koch look better, I'm hoping Cooper or Struijk can simply slot in though.

[Cjay]

Itk on other forum says Wober will miss Arsenal and Forest definitely.

Adams no update but isn't good.

Nothing on Gnonto yet

[BGwhite]

Our injuries are rarely short term. I expect these to be out for at least a month.

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