Leeds United need more cover for Chris Wood to ensure their promotion push is not derailed.
Ask Leeds United fans what they want most in January – aside from the club maintaining their play-off push – and most are likely to say a new striker.
The need for an additional front man has been championed by the Elland Road faithful for months, with the fear that an injury to Chris Wood could curtail their campaign.
And against Reading on Tuesday evening, that fear was given credence when the New Zealand international was taken off in the first half with a hamstring injury.
It remains to be seen how serious the blow is, and it could be that Wood’s exit was more precautionary than anything else, but the presence of Malik Wilks on the bench proved emphatically what Leeds boss Garry Monk needs to do in the upcoming transfer window.
While it is good to see a teenager get their chance in the match day squad, Wilks is nowhere near ready to lead the line in the Championship.
That role could go to summer signings Kemar Roofe or Marcus Antonsson, yet as was proved earlier this week, Leeds need another quality forward to act as a direct replacement for Wood when required.
Wilks’ time will come, however in the short term it should be when Leeds are coasting in a game, not fighting for every last point.
The Whites can win promotion this season, but just as easily their brilliant work thus far can all come tumbling down as long as so many of their hopes rest on the fitness of Wood.
It is not easy to sign a quality striker midway through a campaign, and certainly not one willing to play a bit-part role, yet there are players out there, and it is Monk’s job to find one, be it permanently or more likely on loan.
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