Max Wober paramount to Leeds United survival bid as journalist shares Premier League relegation prediction
Max Wober is “paramount” to the Premier League safety of Leeds United, according to Joe Donnohue of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The defender has missed the club’s last three matches after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Austria last month.
The Whites conceded 10 goals in his absence, with the club dropping down to 16th place in the Premier League table.
“Fortunately, Wober’s particular hamstring issue is not as serious as Tyler Adams’ which required surgery and is likely to keep him out for the remainder of the season,” Donnohue wrote for the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“The Austrian is expected back in the coming days and weeks but for Leeds it is almost certainly a case of needing the 25-year-old to immediately shore up a defence which has, in recent games at least, appeared a little more unsteady without his presence.
“Paramount is Wober’s availability from the start for fixtures against fellow strugglers Leicester City (25 April) and AFC Bournemouth (30 April) later this month; two games which could decide Leeds’ fate come the end of the season.”
Huge miss
Unlike many arrivals that have come before him at Elland Road, Wober has been an instant hit, with fans appreciating just how crucial he is at the back.
And the latest figures confirm their thoughts, with Leeds losing 4-1 to Arsenal and 5-1 to Crystal Palace in his absence, as well as beating Nottingham Forest 2-1.
Manager Javi Gracia will want the talented defender to return as soon as possible, particularly given the busy fixture list that sees Leeds host Liverpool on Monday (17 April) before making the trip to Fulham on Saturday (22 April).
They are in desperate need of points in these tense stages, and keeping clean sheets will ensure at least a handful of draws between now and the end of the season.
Beyond this season, supporters of the club may be fearing long-term when it comes to Wober, with the Austrian unlikely to stick around if the club do drop down to the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Beren Cross believes the Whites have three options when it comes to the future of young loanee Cody Drameh.