Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra will not play against West Bromwich Albion on Friday.
The announcement came during Farke’s pre-match press conference at Elland Road.
Gnonto’s conspicuous absence has become a recurrent theme, with the young talent opting out of Leeds’ previous two matches across competitions.
He refused to participate in the League Cup match against Shrewsbury Town due to frustrations over a denied transfer to Everton.
Gnonto also ruled himself out of the league game against Birmingham City, despite training with the team in the interim. The situation has fuelled rumours about the extent of the player’s discontent.
Luis Sinisterra’s absence is also another puzzling situation. Farke refrained from divulging specifics about his unavailability but clarified that his situation is different.
Farke said (via Leeds Live): “I don’t want to speak about individual players. You can’t compare the situation between the two because I think it’s professional from a legal point of view. It’s different between the two.
“I’ve been there in the past, so it’s for us to educate the players and show as a club that we’re always in the driving seat. Young players are there with uncertainty, and it’s the same situation.
“I’ve had to leave two players out because they weren’t focussed, and then they were the heroes of promotion. The club is bigger than any individual.
“It’s important we learn from the lessons of the past. My style will never be to beg a player to come back. We are Leeds United.”
Farke’s statement underscores the complexity of this situation. The absence of these key players from the squad remains a concern.
The urgency to resolve these issues has intensified with the transfer window drawing to a close and the need to reinforce the squad for the season ahead.
Leeds faithful will hope for a swift resolution, allowing the team to regain focus and stability as the games come thick and fast.
