Daniel Farke shares sad Max Wober injury news for Leeds United v Oxford United
Daniel Farke revealed that Max Wober will likely not be available for Leeds United to face Oxford United on Saturday.
The 26-year-old has been touted with a return to RB Salzburg in January after sustaining another injury setback at Elland Road and was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw against Preston North End last weekend.
However, the Austrian is now in a race against time be included in the matchday squad on 21 December, as revealed by Farke in his pre-match press conference [19 December], with captain Pascal Struijk also a 50/50 to feature at Elland Road.
He said: “It was the first game in the starting line-up for Max. A lot of load because he played 75 minutes in the other game. His knee was swollen and we didn’t want to take any risk.
“Sadly there was a little setback in training. He had to sit out with knee problems and was not able to train today. A tight race for him.
“He’s probably not available for this game. Disappointed for him, a tough first part of the season for him. We hope it’s not too bad, there is a small chance he’s available but at the moment it’s more likely he’s not involved.”
Leeds United facing a defensive injury crisis v Oxford United
Farke could be left scrambling for options to field a capable defensive line ahead of welcoming Oxford United to Elland Road.
Joe Rodon and Struijk have thus far managed to remain injury-free as the two remaining senior options in central defence, while Wober has rehabilitated from a long-term knee injury.
However, with the Whites captain facing a race against time to be declared fit for the weekend and Wober likely absent, Rodon could be the only option at centre-back.
With Junior Firpo sidelined for “four to six weeks”, the injuries are mounting up in West Yorkshire ahead of a hectic festive period and a three-point gap to bridge to Championship leaders Sheffield United.
Ethan Ampadu can operate in the backline when called upon, but the Welsh international has not long returned to the first-team fold after his long-term injury woes, and Farke could risk aggravating the injury further should he be left with no option but to select him to start.
On the other hand, Sam Byram could be tasked with a central role on Saturday and free-agent signing Josuha Guilavogui could prove a capable option for the time being against 20th-placed Oxford United.
In other Leeds news, Peter Risdale drops a Whites relegation verdict.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.