Willy Gnonto injury scare latest as fresh Leeds United fitness update emerges

The 20-year-old scored twice and won a penalty whilst wearing the armband in Gli Azzurrini's 7-0 triumph but was substituted during the second half after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

The YEP understands Leeds' exciting young forward has remained with the Italy U21 squad ahead of Tuesday's European Championship qualifier with the Republic of Ireland, which is scheduled to kick off in Cork at 5:30pm and is in contention to retain the captaincy from the start.

Gnonto is expected to feature in that game as one of the team's standout players, having dropped down from the senior international squad this month, owing to a lack of game-time domestically.

Gnonto spent around a month on the sidelines earlier this season with an ankle problem sustained in the 0-0 draw versus Hull City back in September, but has been named in each of Daniel Farke's matchday squads since returning, although most of his appearances have been from the bench.

Escaping any sort of significant damage will come as a boost to Farke, Rob Price and his medical staff who were keen to have each member of the squad away on international duty return this week with a clean bill of health. The Whites are due to face Rotherham United this Friday evening for which Gnonto will now be expected to be available. Leeds go in search of their seventh win in eight matches at the New York Stadium.