Javi Gracia press conference highlights: Leeds United team news revealed as Gnonto and Wober both out
and live on Freeview channel 276
Leeds’ trip to table-topping Arsenal on Saturday promises to be one of their toughest tests this season. The Gunners have been imperious at home and as the season nears a conclusion, Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to avoid any slip-ups in order to keep their hopes of a Premier League title alive.
Javi Gracia will be without Tyler Adams this weekend, whilst Willy Gnonto and Max Wober are both doubts after picking up injuries over the international break.
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Hide AdLeeds midfielder Adams underwent surgery on a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for an extended period, which could render him absent until pre-season.
Despite Gracia’s reluctance to discuss injured players in previous press conferences, the Spaniard is expected to provide an update this afternoon.
Live updates from Thorp Arch at 1 o’clock.
Javi Gracia press conference LIVE: Arsenal, Adams, Wober and Gnonto on the agenda
Gracia on improvements
I try to give my idea, to help my players to give their best, not only individually but collectively as well. I think we are doing well, not only because we got good results but different performances we had always were good perfomrnaces, competing in all the games, options to get results in all the games we’ve played. I think it’s the best way for the future, we know in this month we have to play many games and keep or improve our level if we are to achieve our target
Gracia on working with players during the break
We had the chance to train with seven, eight players during last week and we tried to take this time to train with them and to recover the best conditions. We prepare two days, today and yesterday, maybe we have time tomorrow. This is the time we’ve had with the players.
Gracia on alternatives
They are important players for us and we don’t have a very big squad. I am positive and optimistic and I believe in my squad.
Gracia on injuries
Tyler we’ll see his evolution, after his surgery we’ll see if he can play any games this season. We take it day by day. Wober and Gnonto, hamstring and ankle injuries, they need time to recover, they are out of the team.
Gracia on the internationals
Sometimes it’s good because you can see your players enjoying with the national teams, scoring goals, getting good results. But in the last international break we had some big problems - we lost some important players for the next games. We’ll see, because it’s a big problem for us
Gracia on an important month
As you say we have a busy schedule in April but we prefer to put all our energy in the next game, try to prepare as best as possible because if we don’t do it we don’t have any chance. We give 100 per cent in this game, then two days to prepare for the next.
Gracia on Arsenal and players’ confidence
All these games you are telling me is the past. We are looking for the next game, focus on the next game. For sure we know we are playing the team at the top, it will be very demanding for us. The first step to get a result is to believe and the team believe we can do it.