Leeds United are set to return to Championship action with a challenging away fixture against Swansea City. Although their last match against Queens Park Rangers took place just 12 days ago, the international break has made the wait feel much longer.
Leeds had the highest number of players called up for international duty among Championship clubs this month. Fortunately, all of them have returned to Thorp Arch without any reported injuries. Head coach Daniel Farke is expected to provide further updates during his press conference on Friday.
The international break, often a source of anxiety for Farke, appears to have gone smoothly, with players’ minutes managed effectively during their national team duties. Additionally, with the Swansea match scheduled for Sunday, Farke has had extra time to work with his squad, ensuring they are fully recovered and ready to perform.
Junior Firpo’s Absence and Left-Back Dilemma
One confirmed absentee for Leeds is Junior Firpo, who is serving the second game of a three-match suspension following an incident in the Millwall match. After criticizing Firpo’s actions during the suspension period, Farke must now focus on finding a suitable replacement for him in the squad.
Sam Byram has been Farke’s go-to choice in Firpo’s absence so far. However, his tendency to cut inside on his preferred right foot has affected Leeds’ attacking balance down the left flank. This issue has been evident in the matches Firpo has missed. Although Isaac Schmidt showed promise in a brief substitute appearance against QPR, his use primarily as a winger suggests that Farke may not fully trust him in a defensive role.
A Case for Max Wober
Given these challenges, Max Wober could be the ideal candidate to step in at left-back. Wober, who played a full 90 minutes for Austria earlier in the week, has yet to make an appearance in the Championship this season, largely due to injuries and Pascal Struijk’s form. While his preferred position is center-back, Wober has experience playing as a left-back and could adapt well to the role in the Championship.
Wober’s natural left foot would bring much-needed balance to Leeds’ attacking play on the left, a quality that Farke should seriously consider for the Swansea match. The extra defensive stability and offensive balance Wober could provide might be crucial for Leeds as they resume their promotion campaign.
Wober’s Focus and Determination
Despite being labeled as “top class” by Farke, Wober has found himself behind other players in the squad hierarchy. Nevertheless, the Austrian defender remains focused on earning his spot in the team. Speaking about his situation, Wober emphasized his commitment to staying at Leeds and working hard to impress Farke. “Things are going really well; I understand the coach. There’s no reason to change anything. I just need to stay patient and work hard,” he said, dismissing any thoughts of a transfer.
With a strong pedigree at both club and international levels, Wober’s aim is clear: to break into the Leeds starting lineup and make a significant impact on their promotion push.