leeds united Defender Maximilian Wobber has not given up hopes of playing at the World Cup, despite making one appearance all season on loan at Werder Bremen.
BILD reports that the 28-year-old Still dreaming of going to the World Cup with Austria.
And, as ridiculous as it may sound, Ralph Rangnick has given him hope.
injury nightmare
Maximilian Wobber left Leeds United on loan in the summer in a bid to get his career back on track. He managed only nine appearances for Leeds totaling 395 minutes last season due to knee surgery in September and again in February.
Returning to Germany with Werder was supposed to provide a fresh start. Instead, it has been a continuation of suffering.
To date he has made one appearance for the Germans, totaling 79 minutes, and that was in the DFB-Pokal in August. He has not made an appearance in the Bundesliga. In fact, the best he has managed is two appearances on the bench.
This is because he has been sidelined due to tearing of muscle bundles and muscle fibers associated with tendon damage.
Austria hopes
But he is now on the comeback trail, recently appearing in the U23 games at the weekend. This has seen him play one half as he looks to build up his fitness.
"Max still wants to take part in the World Cup. He needs playing time to get into his rhythm." Coach Daniel Thioune explains.
The dream may seem unrealistic, but BILD explain that the Leeds defender 'remains the subject of discussion' for Ralf Rangnick. During the international break in March, Rangnick joined them despite his injuries.
"He is someone who has been in the group for a long time and who enriches the group with his personality." The Austrian coach explained. "For them, it all depends on the healing process."
This is seen as a sign that even though Maximilian Wobber is not a perfect fit, Rangnick still wants him as a leader in the group. Thus, the focus has been on getting as many minutes as possible before the season ends.
Whether he can do so given his injury record is debatable. But Rangnick has at least provided a carrot for him to chase.
For Leeds United, Wobber's fitness and participation in the World Cup could help increase summer transfer interest.
