Leeds United stay targeted on the pursuit for automated promotion to the Premier League, sitting third within the Championship standings.
Trailing Burnley by only one level for the second spot and three factors behind leaders Sheffield United, the Whites are retaining the stress on their rivals as they strategy a pivotal conflict towards Derby County on Saturday.
Nevertheless, accidents within the left-back place have introduced a major problem for supervisor Daniel Farke, who’s compelled to improvise his defence.
Max Wober set for league comeback
Supervisor Daniel Farke has hinted that Max Wober may make his long-awaited return to the beginning lineup, marking his first league begin in 18 months.
The Austrian defender has endured a troublesome season, sidelined for 10 video games because of knee surgical procedure and that includes solely twice instead within the Championship. Nevertheless, with different left-back choices restricted, Wober’s return couldn’t be extra well timed.
Leeds’ harm woes embrace Junior Firpo, who’s coping with a foot harm sustained in coaching, and Sam Byram, who’s confirmed to overlook the sport. In the meantime, Isaac Schmidt has solely simply returned from hernia surgical procedure, leaving the left-back place thinly lined.
Farke acknowledged that Wober’s main place is centre-back however emphasised his adaptability and praised his attributes. The German supervisor highlighted Wober’s sturdy bodily presence, means to excel in set-pieces at each ends of the pitch, and crossing precision.
These qualities make him a dependable option to step into the function and assist stabilize the crew’s defence throughout this essential interval.
Talking through the press convention, Farke stated:
“Pure place is centre-back. Defensive behaviour for a full-back is totally different from centre-back. However he’s rock stable, provides physicality, sturdy from set-pieces, defensive and attacking. Additionally obtained a superb cross.”
Since becoming a member of Leeds in January 2023 for the switch charge of €12 million, Wober has proven glimpses of his potential. After a quick mortgage spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, the 26-year-old is again at Elland Street, desirous to play a pivotal function in Leeds’ promotion marketing campaign.
He has been linked with a transfer away with some studies even suggesting that the membership may use him in a swap take care of RB Salzburg with considered one of their gamers.
As Leeds head into their encounter with Derby County, they continue to be targeted on closing the hole on the automated promotion locations. With 22 video games left to play, each level is essential within the tightly contested race.