Leeds United injury fears on Willy Gnonto look to have been addressed by footage of the attacker registering an assist for Italy Under-21s, says Adam Pope.
The BBC journalist reacted via X on 10 September to a clip of Tammaso Baldanzi scoring against Norway after being slipped in by the Whites star.
Gnonto had been substituted in the previous game after appearing hurt against San Marino [Yorkshire Evening Post, 5 September] to generate concern in West Yorkshire of a new fitness headache for Daniel Farke with Dan James already hurt [BBC Sport, 29 August].
It was later revealed to be a precautionary substitution and his use of a smartphone on the bench explained as the 20-year-old informing Leeds he was okay [TuttoMercatoWeb, 7 September].
Reacting to the latest footage Pope wrote: “Willy Gnonto seems just fine”.
Daniel Farke avoids Leeds United injury blow on Willy Gnonto
The late-window recruitment in attacking areas has insured the Whites against major issues if the Italian was ruled out but Farke won’t want any new disruptions after a difficult start to the campaign.
His side finally looks to have got into some rhythm as the uncertainty of the transfer market is now over and the likes of Largie Ramazani, Ao Tanaka and Manor Solomon have been added to the ranks.
Gnonto’s personal situation is also a source of positivity at Elland Road as a contract extension has been secured that reportedly has no release clauses involved [Graham Smyth, 31 August], following more transfer attempts from Everton this summer [Nancy Froston, 6 August].
He has started every game for Farke so far, scored in the opening day draw with Portsmouth, and keeping hold of him ahead of the deadline was a “priority” [Yorkshire Evening Post, 30 August] so his importance is clear.
Crysencio Summerville’s and Georginio Rutter’s exits have opened the door for him to step forward and become the leading star he was expected to be a year ago.
A positive outing in the Italian win over Norway and no injury lay off looks to be a solid platform for him to build off back in England, starting at home to Burnley on 14 September.
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