Leeds United tell Tottenham Hotspur Wilfried Gnonto or Sam Greenwood could replace Jack Harrison in PL clash

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has dropped a major selection hint by admitting that one of Wilfried Gnonto or Sam Greenwood could replace Jack Harrison in the starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Manchester City winger is their star winger ever since he made the move to Elland Road under former Whites manager Marco Bielsa. Marsch admitted that Harrison is a touch-and-go for the clash against Spurs with a muscle strain.

This raises question marks over his fitness levels and if he will be risked against Tottenham by being put in the starting XI. Nevertheless, the American manager has a plan in place.

At his pre-match press conference (h/t LeedsLive) was asked if young 19-year-old Willy Gnonto could be put in the starting XI. The Italian forward came through Inter Milan’s youth academy and was signed by Leeds this summer from Zurich.

Tottenham must prepare for Leeds threat

Marsch then raised the possibility that Greenwood could make the cut as well, depending on what the team needs. Gnonto – who is now a full Italy international – has one assist in three games for Leeds across competitions, while the Arsenal academy graduate has one goal and one assist in seven games in the same period.

“I think if Jack seems a little bit questionable then it [Gnonto starting] becomes a real possibility. I think Sam Greenwood as well played really well when he came off the bench. So it’s a little bit what tactic we decide to use. You know, is Willy a better fit or is Sam a better fit to supplement what we would require from Jack…”

Harrison has become a seasoned winger in English football and his decision-making in the final third, coupled with his acceleration and dribbling ability make him an obvious threat to any defence.

However, Gnonto and Greenwood haven’t enjoyed a lot of first-team starts and hence could be an unknown quantity for our defence to deal with. Regardless, the Yorkshire-based club should be easy work for our team at our home stadium.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Antonio Conte gives clear verdict on his Tottenham Hotspur future
• Opponent Watch: Leeds United could be without three players including Patrick Bamford for Tottenham Hotspur clash
• Jesse Marsch claims his side are not afraid to face a big club like Tottenham Hotspur

Anything apart from a win will send us into a long international break with angst and frustration.