BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope has shared on Twitter why Helder Costa and Max Wober were both missing from Leeds United’s clash against Manchester United on Wednesday – as Leeds lost 2-0 to Erik ten Hag’s side.
Costa, 29, has returned after two season-long loan spells away from Leeds, and is now in the final 12 months of his contract at Elland Road. It is unclear if he will remain, with super agent Jorge Mendes likely to find him a new team.
Out wide, in the Angola star’s place, Leeds used Luis Sinisterra, Dan James, Ian Poveda and Mateo Joseph. In the middle of the defence, Leeds started with Jeremiah Mullen and Liam Cooper. Kris Moore, Pascal Struijk came on.
Both Wober and Costa only returned to Thorp Arch on Monday after representing their nations following the end of the season. Pope says that while the duo travelled to Norway, they were left out of the squad due to lack of fitness.
Pope shares why Costa and Wober missing from Leeds clash this week
Costa, a £15m signing during Marcelo Bielsa’s era in charge, does have a slight chance of reigniting his Leeds spell. But it may come down to which wingers Leeds keep, and in what quantity. James has returned after a Fulham loan.
Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Cree Summerville and Sinisterra have been linked with the exit door. If all four go, then Costa has every chance of making a Leeds return. Poveda actually impressed having been given a surprise start.
For Wober, Leeds Live report he has told Leeds he intends to remain at Elland Road. When fit, he is probably our best centre-back. There is scope for him to form an impressive centre-back pairing with returning Charlie Cresswell.
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