National team boss explains selection of Leeds United man despite long injury absence

Austria national team manager Ralf Rangnick has defended his decision to select Max Wober in his latest squad, despite the defender only recently returning to first team duty with Leeds United.

The centre-back has figured just once for the Whites this term, featuring in their Carabao Cup thrashing at the hands of Middlesbrough back in August. Wober then suffered a knee injury while representing his country that required surgery, ruling him out of action for a lengthy period.

But the 26-year-old resumed full training last week and made a welcome return to the Whites' matchday squad on Saturday as Daniel Farke's men cruised past Plymouth Argyle. Wober was an unused substitute.

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Despite Wober's lack of game time, Rangnick has named Wober in his 22-man squad for Austria's forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures with Kazakhstan and Slovenia later this month. “Max started training again at Leeds a week ago,” Rangnick told Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, via Sport Witness. “We don’t have many options in his position.”

Wober is among a raft of United players that will go away with their respective countries next week, including Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto, Manor Solomon and Daniel James. Like Wober, James only recently recovered from his knock.

Wales boss Craig Bellamy said: “He brings a lot to this squad, he really adds to the group. He’s been unfortunate with injuries, but he’s an outstanding player. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play for Wales.

“The way we play will really suit him. He definitely, as a coach, suits my type of profile. He’s a really menacing player with real speed and high intensity. He adds again to the quality we have in those areas and gives us another option.”