Leeds United remain focused on their pursuit of automatic promotion to the Premier League, sitting third in the Championship standings.
With just one point behind second-placed Burnley and three points behind leaders Sheffield United, the Whites are keeping the pressure on their rivals as they approach a crucial clash against Derby County on Saturday.
However, injuries in the left-back position have posed a major challenge for coach Daniel Farke, who is forced to improvise his defence.
Max Wober prepares for comeback in the league
Manager Daniel Farke has hinted that Max Wober could make his long-awaited return to the starting line-up, marking his first league start in 18 months.
The Austrian defender has endured a tough season, missing 10 games due to knee surgery and making just two substitute appearances in the Championship. However, with other left-back options limited, Wober’s return couldn’t be more timely.
Leeds’ injury problems include Junior Firpo, who is dealing with a foot injury picked up in training, and Sam Byram, who is confirmed to miss the game. Meanwhile, Isaac Schmidt has just returned from hernia surgery, leaving the left-back position sparsely covered.
Farke acknowledged that Wober’s primary position is at centre, but highlighted his adaptability and praised his attributes. The German coach highlighted Wober’s strong physical presence, his ability to excel at set pieces at both ends of the pitch and the accuracy of his crosses.
These qualities make him a reliable option to fill the role and help stabilize the team’s defense during this critical period.
Speaking during the press conference, Farke said:
“The natural position is central defense. The defensive behavior of a full-back is different from that of a centre-back. But he is solid as a rock, adds physicality, strong on set pieces, defensively and offensively. He also made a good cross.”
Since joining Leeds in January 2023 for a transfer fee of €12m, Wober has shown glimpses of his potential. After a short loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, the 26-year-old returns to Elland Road, keen to play a key role in Leeds’ promotion campaign.
He has been linked with a move with some reports even suggesting that the the club could use him in a swap deal with RB Salzburg with one of his players.
As Leeds head into their encounter with Derby County, they remain focused on closing the gap on the automatic promotion places. With 22 games left to play, every point is crucial in the hotly contested race.
