Leeds United have put in the final preparations before their clash against Brighton tomorrow afternoon at the AMEX.
Daniel Farke’s side have a chance to build some momentum this weekend as they take on an injury-hit Brighton side off the back of EFL Cup involvement.
Surprisingly for Leeds, they have zero injuries to contend with this week as key players work their way back to full fitness.
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Final preparation has been completed at the back end of this week at Thorp Arch, with the squad in a good shape for another important Premier League game.
Here, I look at three crucial details from Leeds’ ‘Inside Training’ YouTube video, posted on Thursday…
Willy Gnonto is back in full Leeds training, and in good spirits
The most obvious thing that you’ll have no doubt seen and heard during the video is the welcome presence of Willy Gnonto.
Leeds’ Italian winger has been out with a calf issue and recent hernia surgery, recovering from the former, only to suffer the latter setback over the international break.
Willy Gnonto returns to full training – Photo via Leeds United’s YouTube.
However, as Farke confirmed, the winger is back in full team training and is expected to be available on Saturday, even if only for a cameo off the bench.
He’s present in training sporting a fresh trim, and in familiar high spirits as he engaged in a sprint race with Brenden Aaronson.
Harry Gray returns to training too after recent setback and professional Leeds contract
A likewise boost came for Harry Gray this week too.
The 17-year-old penned a first professional contract with the club earlier in October, but was missing from first team training in the meantime due to a hip injury.
He is also present in senior training alongside fellow youngsters Sam Chambers and Rhys Chadwick, given the unfortunate task of trying to keep pace with Dan James during the sprints:
Photo via Leeds United YouTube.
Noah Okafor’s potential injury caution during Leeds’ training drill?
The other thing I couldn’t help but notice during these sprints was Noah Okafor seemingly looking like he was holding back.
Leeds’ Swiss winger is one of the fastest in the squad, but also has been suffering with injury issues throughout his career, which have carried over at Elland Road.
He was unable to play beyond the interval against West Ham as Farke carefully manages his fitness, and this sprint drill suggested to me that he’s well aware that he needs to be cautious about aggravating any lingering problems:
Photo via Leeds United YouTube.
Despite still leaving Jack Harrison and Chadwick behind, you can clearly see Okafor isn’t at 100% speed here. If you go watch the footage (4:05 onwards), note the contrasting intensity between Dan James and Okafor.
James is sprinting like his life genuinely depends on it, while Okafor holds back. It’s perhaps an insight into the careful process we’ve got to monitor with our most important winger.
Read more: Chris Sutton predicts Brighton v Leeds United scoreline…