Joe Rothwell’s calf injury does not only remove creativity from Leeds United’s midfield but it also means The Whites are without an undisputed set-piece taker, while he is on the sidelines.
Last Thursday, Daniel Farke said his Leeds squad had a clean bill of health going into the clash against Luton but come Saturday, Rothwell and Mateo Joseph were nowhere to be seen at Kenilworth Road.
Joseph was missing due to illness while Rothwell had picked up a calf injury in training the day before the clash against Luton. Now, Farke has confirmed Rothwell could miss the next four Championship games.
If everything goes to plan, Rothwell will be fit to play against Bristol City and Plymouth but given it is a muscle injury, it is unclear if his recovery will be straightforward. It leaves Leeds without a set-piece taker.
Surprise player named as possible Leeds set-piece taker
Farke was asked who could replace Rothwell when it comes to taking corners and free-kicks and The German stated that it would of course, depend who is on the pitch at the time when Leeds are playing.
But, he listed a few options. Manor Solomon took them on Saturday and the Israeli ace was named as was Dan James. Ilia Gruev too, who scored a free-kick against Norwich in last season’s play-off semi-finals.
But interestingly, Farke also suggested Max Wober could take set-pieces if he is on the pitch: “Joe has a special quality, and it now depends on who is on the pitch. If you want an outswinger or an inswinger.
“Dan James or Manor Solomon. Left foot, it depends who is on the pitch – Ilia Gruev has scored, assisted a few. Max Wober is a really good candidate but he is a good target in the centre to attack a set-piece.”
Why Max Wober could now be crucial in the last six matches
Farke has a big decision to make. With Struijk sidelined for this week’s games against Middlesbrough and Preston, and possibly the rest of the season if a fracture is found on his foot, Leeds need a replacement.
The chances are that against Boro, Ethan Ampadu will drop into defence and Ilia Gruev starts alongside Ao Tanaka in midfield. But Farke has said he does not want Ampadu as a centre-back during the run-in.
It was Ampadu that made the mistake for Adam Armstrong’s winner at Wembley while partnering Joe Rodon in central defence. If Farke chooses to keep Ampadu in midfield, then £10m Wober could start.
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