Leeds United could soon be without defender Max Wöber for an extended period due to an ongoing knee injury.
The center-back, who has been a part of Leeds’ squad since earlier this year, is now facing the possibility of surgery on his meniscus after struggling with the injury for some time.
Wöber’s Injury Problem
Wöber has been out of action in recent games, missing clashes against Burnley and Cardiff City.
The injury initially seemed to be manageable, but recent reports suggest that his recovery isn’t progressing as hoped.
The Austrian defender has a meniscus issue in his knee, which, if it doesn’t heal on its own, could require surgical intervention.
A meniscus injury is a common knee problem, and depending on its severity, it can take weeks or even months to recover, especially if surgery is involved.
Wöber’s absence from the squad during September raised concerns, and now surgery seems to be a serious consideration for his long-term recovery.
Potential Impact on Leeds United’s Defence
Although Wöber hasn’t been a consistent starter for Leeds United this season, losing him for a longer period could still hurt the club’s depth at the back.
Leeds are already navigating a tricky start to the season, and being light in the center-back position could cause additional defensive strain.
If surgery does go ahead, Wöber could be sidelined for several weeks or even months, potentially missing a large chunk of the campaign.
The defensive duties would then fall more heavily on players like Ethan Ampadu, who may need to cover in central defence, something manager Daniel Farke might want to avoid due to Ampadu’s key role in midfield.
Farke’s Options Moving Forward
If Wöber is ruled out for a significant time, Leeds United may need to consider how to fill the gap.
With a busy schedule ahead and hopes to push further up the Championship table, the squad needs to stay robust.
Farke might need to look into rotation options or potential transfers in the January window if the situation worsens.
The upcoming match against Coventry City will test Leeds’ resilience, and with Wöber potentially out for an extended spell, Farke will need to rely on the remaining defensive players to keep things tight at the back.
Max Wöber’s injury is a worrying development for Leeds United, and surgery could see the Austrian defender miss a large part of the season.
While he hasn’t been a first-choice starter, his absence still limits Leeds’ options in defence.
The next few weeks will be crucial as Leeds wait to see if Wöber can recover without needing surgery, or if a more drastic approach will be required.
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