Leeds United 'edged closer' update on loanee Facundo Buonanotte as injuries strike Whites squad

Leeds United January loan signing Facundo Buonanotte has 'edged closer' to involvement in Daniel Farke's squad in recent weeks and a fresh injury crisis could now present an opportunity.

Brighton attacker Buonanotte cut short an unsuccessful loan at Chelsea and moved to Elland Road in the mid-season window. But having played just eight times for the Blues in the first half of the campaign, only three appearances have followed for Leeds.

The Argentine has just 69 minutes of action under his belt as a Whites player and he has not made the last five Premier League squads or the matchday squad for the FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham United.

But Farke insists the 21-year-old is performing as he needs to in training at Thorp Arch and with a series of injuries cropping up over the past week - including attacking options Noah Okafor, Daniel James and Anton Stach - the manager has dangled a carrot for his loanee.

"It's similar to Ao [Tanaka]," said Farke.

"I like a lot what he's done in the last two, three weeks. I've spoke with him, given him a sign we're happy with the consistency he delivers in training.

“He was pretty close to the matchday squad”

“He was pretty close to the matchday squad [at West Ham] though many players were fit. Perhaps a chance for him now there are a few injuries.

“But the solution is always deliver with consistency in training, not just one good session. You have to do this for a few weeks to be back in the spotlight. It means when I call him up I would need to leave another player in the offence."

According to Farke, Buonanotte has got closer to involvement in recent weeks but the German notes that he still faces fierce competition for a place in the squad.

The Whites boss added: "He has edged closer but I have to say Willy Gnonto is training well at the minute, good that Noah [Okafor] was there with a top performance so there's lots of competition in this position.

“Brenden has played many minutes and won a penalty. It's not easy to come into this squad, it's a good situation but keep going in training and then you're prepared when a chance comes. Then you have to use it."