Chris Wood was sent home early by New Zealand, but Garry Monk has seemingly confirmed that he is in contention for Leeds’ game with Reading.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood
Leeds boss Garry Monk has seemingly confirmed to BBC Radio Leeds that Chris Wood will be in contention to feature in the Whites’ crucial Championship clash with Reading this weekend despite a recent injury scare.
The Yorkshire Post recently reported that Leeds’ top goalscorer was facing a potential race against time to be fit for the trip to the Madejski Stadium after being sent home early from international duty with New Zealand after sustaining a problem in the win over Fiji, a game in which he scored.
But judging by the fact that Wood’s name did not come up when Monk was commenting on the absentees for the game, it would appear that the striker will be available for selection.
“Yeah, everyone’s been training, so yeah, the whole group are together,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“Like I said the only ones [unavailable] for the weekend would be Tyler Denton who’s still injured, Lewie Coyle’s come back into the group so that’s good, and obviously Luke Ayling who’s still suspended for this game.”
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Having Wood in the side will undoubtedly boost Leeds’ chances of picking up a positive result against Jaap Stam’s men. The forward is the Championship’s top goalscorer this season with 24 goals to his name in the league.
And while Monk’s willingness to make ruthless decisions when it comes to his selections may suggest that he may not risk Wood if he is not fully fit, it seems highly unlikely that he will take a cautious stance with his star striker for a game that could really see Leeds strengthen their grip on a play-off spot.
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