OPINION
Thomas Christiansen has a huge selection dilemma in between the sticks ahead of Leeds’ clash against Preston at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
New signing Felix Wiedwald has started both games against Bolton and Port Vale so far, but the 27-year-old has shown a fear of coming to collect a cross or a high ball amid a group of players.
The German, who signed from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, has conceded three goals in two games and will be nervously looking over his shoulder after Rob Green missed Wednesday’s clash due to a knee injury.
Green, 37, revealed on his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon that he is “working hard” to get “back in contention” as quickly as he can, after Bailey Peacock-Farrell replaced him on the bench against Vale.
Disappointed to miss the game last night with injury but working hard to get fit and back in contention as quickly as possible
— Robert Green (@Robert1Green) August 10, 2017
The former England international could fancy his chances of returning to the starting line-up after Wiedwald’s underwhelming performances so far have left him still needing to do work to gain trust of the Elland Road support.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay revealed that Green’s injury was not major and that he had a chance of being fit for Saturday’s clash against Preston, which could see him return to displace Wiedwald.
Rob Green's injury last night was a knee problem. Not major. Chance of being fit for Preston. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 10, 2017
Green was one of the first names on Garry Monk’s team sheet last season as he played in every single one of Leeds’ 46 Championship fixtures, keeping 15 clean sheets for the Yorkshire giants in that time.
However, Wiedwald made 25 Bundesliga appearances for Bremen last season and his experience as a number one of a club that plies its trade against the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund suggests he boasts talent that can eclipses Green.
The lofty Leeds’ number 13 should be given one more chance to prove himself in goal for Leeds against Preston, and if he can keep a clean sheet, he will be handed an extended run in the side.
That may see Green have to look for pastures new with three weeks remaining in the transfer window, but if Wiedwald’s weaknesses are evident once again, the former West Ham and QPR ace could be handed a lifeline.