Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon ahead of their match against Norwich City. It is expected that he will provide an update on the status of Djed Spence and Willy Gnonto’s return.
The international break for October has come to an end, and Leeds United’s players are gradually returning to Thorp Arch for training this week. However, some players such as Stuart Dallas may not be fully fit for their upcoming match against Norwich on Saturday. The focus will be on the status of on-loan defender Djed Spence and Italy international Willy Gnonto, who have both missed several weeks due to injury. Although Leeds have not suffered greatly in their absence, with only one loss in their last nine league games.
Gnonto did not join Luciano Spalletti’s Italy group this month, as he has previously when fit, while Spence remained at the club’s training base after being granted a couple of days off along with the non-international players. Farke has previously offered a vague interpretation of when the duo could return to the pitch. However, if they have played a central role in team training this week, they will be considered for selection at Carrow Road this weekend, following Farke’s rules that stipulate players must have trained sufficiently to be picked in the matchday squad.
Farke had previously stated, “Willy had successful surgery but will be out until the international break. Djed needs time and also won’t be involved until after the break,” at the end of September. Gnonto suffered an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium and underwent minor surgery to clean up a separate issue, while Spence sustained a knee injury in training a month ago and was initially prescribed to be out of action for up to eight weeks.
Leeds’ internationals such as Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Dan James, Glen Kamara, Archie Gray, Liam Cooper, and Ilia Gruev will also be discussed by Farke in terms of whether they have picked up any injuries while away with their countries.
