Leeds plunged into injury crisis as key winger is ruled out for the rest of the season

Leeds United’s chances of survival have taken a huge blow after in-form winger Luis Sinisterra was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a damaged ankle ligament.

The Colombian, 23, has scored three goals in the Whites’ last five games, including the opener in Tuesday’s draw with Leicester and the winner against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

Sinisterra, however, was knocked out against the Foxes in the first half after a tough challenge from Caglar Soyuncu – and will now miss the rest of the relegation run-up.

Leeds boss Javi Gracia confirmed: ‘Luis will be out for the rest of the season. It’s something about his anklets.

“It’s hard for us to lose important players. But I prefer not to complain and to be positive. I have enough players to compete and I try to work with them to find a way to get the results we need to reach our goal.”

Sinisterra (left) was injured by Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu during this tough challenge

The star Leeds player (left) suffered ankle ligament damage during his side’s 1-1 draw with Leicester

Despite Sinisterra’s injury, Gracia has given no guarantees that fan favorite Willy Gnonto will be back in the squad for Sunday’s Bournemouth crunch clash.

Surprisingly, the 19-year-old Italy international has not started in any of Leeds’ last six games and was not even brought off the bench against Leicester, much to the fury of Elland Road fans.

But Gracia said, “I choose what’s best for the team. It’s not about one player.

Willy is an exceptional player with a great character and I am sure he will have opportunities to show himself in the coming games.

“The latest decisions can make people think there’s something strange going on with Willy.

“All I can say is that it works well and is ready and available.

“If I decide, he plays. Right now he’s waiting for his moment.’

Javi Gracia said Sinisterra’s injury is ‘tough’ for a team fighting to stay in the league

Leeds – whose players went to an Italian restaurant for a team meal on Thursday – are just one point clear of the drop zone.

Gracia won three of his first six games after his short-term appointment in February, but has now gone four games without a win.

Asked if he was concerned about his own position, the Spaniard said: “I am concerned about the team’s situation, but when I arrived we were in a worse position.

We have 11 points from 10 games. Of course we want to get more, but we are focused on the five remaining games, starting with Bournemouth.’