By Alan Hutton

27th Sep, 2023 | 1:16pm

Leeds United dealt crushing Wilfried Gnonto blow as new details emerge - pundit

Alan Hutton has suggested Leeds United will be hit hard by Willy Gnonto’s injury as they look to chase down Championship leaders Leicester City.

The former Rangers and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he was surprised to see the 19-year-old “star player” stay at Elland Road past the summer transfer window.

Gnonto was forced off injured in last week’s (20 September) draw with Hull City with an ankle problem.

Speaking on Saturday (23 September) and quoted by journalist Phil Hay, Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed the Italy international will need minor surgery to rectify the issue.

Farke revealed the forward will be out of action until after next month’s international break.

Gnonto, who was the subject of strong interest from Everton in the summer window, has scored once in six appearances so far this season.

He will miss games against Southampton, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City with Leeds already trailing league leaders Leicester by eight points.

Hutton told Football Insider: “Sometimes it can be tough when you’ve had a tough pre-season and you’ve been on international duty.

“He’s not really had a break and the Championship is a really hard league.

“But Gnonto is now one of the star players at Leeds, who are doing alright.

“I thought he would’ve got a move away, but it didn’t happen.

“It’s a real shame for him. No time is a good time to get injuries, but this is really not ideal when Leeds need him to help chase Leicester down at the top of the table.”

In other news, Leeds United plan to accept offer for star man in January.