Plenty of Leeds United players have been in action over the weekend with Joe Rodon opening his account for Wales and prior to his return to Tottenham, Manor Solomon laid on an assist for Israel.
Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow were also in action for Wales as Dan James continues his recovery from injury as they beat Liecheinstein. Brenden Aaronson was an unused sub in America’s defeat to Turkey.
Ilia Gruev’s Bulgaria could not hold on to a lead against Cyprus, drawing 2-2 while Junior Firpo picked up an injury and has returned early from his participation with The Dominican Republic this summer.
On Saturday evening, it was the turn of another Leeds player to represent his country – in Max Wober. The defender started for Austria as they began their World Cup qualifying campaign against Romania.
Austrian media rave about Max Wober despite another injury
Ralf Rangnick is a big fan of Wober and the Leeds star started against Romania on Saturday night, his 31st cap for his country. It turned out to be a good night for Wober, as Austria secured a 2-1 win in Vienna.
Wober actually got an assist for Austria’s first, flicking a header onto Michael Gregoritsch who finished superbly. Captain Marcel Sabitzer made it two, before Romania scored a 95th-minute consolation goal.
Wober remained until the 69th minute, but there was reason for that. Austrian site Laola1 described him as “the best” Austria player on the pitch, handing him a Grade 1 – the best of five – but confirming injury.
“The defender was surprisingly in the starting eleven instead of Kevin Danso, thus proving the team manager right. The Leeds international was on hand four times to thwart Romania’s good opportunities.
“He played an important role in the build-up play. He indirectly contributed to the opening goal through his aerial challenge. Substituted in the 69th minute with muscle problems. The best Austrian.”
Max Wober’s Leeds future in doubt as injury issues grow
Clearly, there is a player in Wober. When Leeds suffered relegation after a dismal second half to the 2022-23 season, Wober was arguably one of the better players. He was then a regular for Gladbach on loan.
This season, he’s only managed nine Leeds appearances and three for Austria. But, Wober has looked good when he’s played. The trouble is, he’s constantly injured and even had two operations in 2024-25.
Leeds are expected to upgrade Wober this summer, with the player recently linked with Salzburg and Gladbach. It does feel with the 2026 World Cup incoming, Wober will want a move to get game time.
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