Clinton Morrison says it ‘surprises’ him that Wilfried Gnonto was once again on the bench for Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage.
The 19-year-old picked up an ankle injury with Italy during the international break and subsequently missed Leeds United’s defeat to Arsenal at the start of April.
Since then, Wilfried Gnonto has returned to Javi Gracia’s Leeds United squad, where he has played a total of 53 minutes and Morrison clearly feels the ‘exceptional’ teenager needs to be playing more.
Of course, injury has played a part in Gnonto’s game-time reducing, but with the youngster on the bench, it still has to be questioned why he hasn’t been used more.
The last time the Italy international did start, he scored as the Whites beat their relegation-rivals Wolves.
Well, ahead of Leeds’ double-header this week, starting with a home tie against Leicester City, before an away clash against Bournemouth, former striker Morrison suggested that he wants to see more of Gnonto, as he told Sky Sports News (23/04/23).
“You know what surprises me with Leeds, Gnonto,” said Morrison. “We talk about how exceptional he has been. He (Javi Gracia) doesn’t play him. He is a winger that wants to take players on.
“Beforehand, under the older manager, he was starting week in and week out. Leeds fans were excited with him.”
GNONTO NEEDS TO START V LEICESTER AND BOURNEMOUTH
These are two massive games for all and it could prove to be a decisive week in the Premier League relegation battle as the final few hurdles near.
If Leeds can pick up back-to-back wins, even with their shambolic defending, then it could see them survive and avoid possible final-day drama.
But if they want to secure those points, then Gnonto needs to be starting because he is a waste when coming on for just 10 or so minutes from the bench.
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