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 conserving the strain on their rivals as they method a pivotal conflict in opposition to 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 might 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 resulting from knee surgical procedure and that includes solely twice as an alternative within the Championship. Nevertheless, with different left-back choices restricted, Wober’s return couldn’t be extra well timed.
Leeds’ harm woes embody 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 coated.
Farke acknowledged that Wober’s major place is centre-back however emphasised his adaptability and praised his attributes. The German supervisor highlighted Wober’s sturdy bodily presence, skill 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 workforce’s defence throughout this essential interval.
Talking through the press convention, Farke mentioned:
“Pure place is centre-back. Defensive behaviour for a full-back is completely different from centre-back. However he’s rock strong, provides physicality, sturdy from set-pieces, defensive and attacking. Additionally acquired a great cross.”
Since becoming a member of Leeds in January 2023 for the switch payment of €12 million, Wober has proven glimpses of his potential. After a short mortgage spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, the 26-year-old is again at Elland Street, wanting 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 might use him in a swap cope with RB Salzburg with one among 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.