You could be forgiven for forgetting Leeds United have another important game at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday amid all the recent news surrounding Georginio Rutter.
Since Leeds‘ dismal 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night, all the focus has been on Rutter’s imminent £40 million move to Brighton.
Rutter had actually been aware of Brighton activating his release clause before the game against Boro, but still decided to make himself available.
The 22-year-old was brought off the bench in the second half with Leeds 2-0 down, having been one of eight players to makeway from the weekend draw to Portsmouth.
Rutter was reportedly spotted in tears after leaving Elland Road last night, with it now clear that was his final ever appearance as a Leeds player.
And while it is gutting to see Rutter is on his way out, it can’t be forgotten how important the game is at West Brom as the pressure continues to mount on Daniel Farke.
Farke shares injury update on Max Wober ahead of Leeds vs West Brom
Rutter’s exit is made all the more worrying by the fact Leeds made eight changes against Boro and were completely dismantled by a side who also made seven themselves.
A lot of those who started last night proved they simply are not good enough to be starting week in, week out in the Championship.
However, with such little squad depth, Farke is not going to have much choice if signings do not arrive soon, and if injuries start to bite.
Farke has had a fully fit squad to choose from for both matches so far this season but told his press conference there is one doubt heading into the weekend.
After making his first competitive start since his apparent decision to return to Leeds, Farke has claimed Max Wober picked up a calf injury and is therefore doubtful for the trip to the Hawthorns.
He said: “I had in my head that it’s a quick turnaround for Saturday. That was the reason why we changed a bit more than we normally do, and our group at the moment is not too big. We rely on our medical department, which is doing a fantastic job.
“It seems everyone is available, but the only question mark we have is against Max Wober. He had some problems with his calf so we need to assess him over the afternoon. It could be that he is doubtful for the game, but all the others are available which is what we need because the group is small in numbers.”
Wober played like he didn’t want to be at Leeds vs Boro
The cynics among the supporters could take this update from Farke and assume there isn’t actually an injury problem, but that he is leaving.
Farke has insisted Wober wants to be at the club this season but with Borussia Monchengladbach still sniffing, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they met his £8.5 million asking price.
Wober delivered a performance of someone who does not want to be at Elland Road against Boro, looking extremely shaky both on the ball, and defensively.
With Leeds also taking an interest in Chelsea’s left centre-back Bashir Humphreys, it seems they are planning for life without him.
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