The former Whites midfielder believes this could be the deciding factor.
Former Leeds United midfielder and current pundit David Prutton has told Sky Sports that his former side’s chances of winning at Preston North End could hinge on whether Chris Wood is fit to play.
The Whites travel to Deepdale on a run of good form which has seen them win seven of their last nine Championship games.
That impressive recent record sees them go into Christmas in fifth place as they look to stay in contention for a play-off spot in the second half of the season.
Boxing Day’s opponents Preston, however, are just six points and six places behind the Yorkshire side, and former Leeds manager Simon Grayson in the home dugout will add an extra spice to the clash.
Key to the Whites’ success this season has been Wood. The New Zealand striker, who has struggled with injury for the past few years, has largely stayed fit this term to score 14 goals in just 25 appearances in all competitions.
However, after scoring in the recent 2-0 win over Reading, he pulled up with an injured hamstring and missed the 1-0 win over Brentford in his side’s last game last weekend.
It is not entirely clear whether he will be fit enough to return on Boxing Day, but Prutton believes his presence (or lack thereof) in the starting XI could have a decisive impact on the result.
Prutton wrote for Sky Sports: “If Leeds are able to nurse Chris Wood back to fitness they’ll have a tremendous chance to winning at Preston.
“Having won six of their last eight, the latest of which saw them win 1-0 a Brentford with their first attempt on target, they’ll need the big man up top.
“Preston is a tough place to visit and they’ll be up for the game having won last time out at Bristol City. Simon Grayson will be desperate to take something from his former club.”
Prutton’s scoreline prediction was a 1-1 draw.
It is clear that much of Leeds’ ambition rides on Wood’s fitness, and his return to the side on Boxing Day would be a huge boost as the Whites look for a third successive win which could take them as high as third in the Championship table.
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