Anton Stach was one of four players who missed out for Leeds United in their game against West Ham, after Daniel Farke made a host of changes.
Daniel Farke got the immediate response he wanted as Leeds raced out of the blocks, opening the scoring through Brenden Aaronson after three minutes.
Anton Stach was criticised for his display against Burnley and was one of the casualties as Leeds got back to winning ways under the lights at Elland Road.
Farke admitted that Stach had been playing through injury in recent weeks, after he made an impressive start to his Leeds career.
Now, Farke has revealed exactly why Stach did not feature against West Ham as his side got back to winning ways.
Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Daniel Farke explains Anton Stach’s absence
Speaking in his post-match press conference, via Leeds Live, Farke explained that Stach had taken another blow to his injured rib, leading to his decision to add Ao Tanaka to his midfield.
According to the Leeds boss, the knock occurred after his midweek press conference, forcing him into a late change of plans with his team selection.
Farke said: “It’s never easy to win a Premier League game. We had a difficult week, even after our press conference.
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“We struggled so much with illnesses in the camp, and players just back with injury. Stach had another hit against his rib.”
Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach during Leeds United v AC Milan, pre-season friendly match, Dublin.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Ao Tanaka had a quiet night for Leeds United
Farke has been caught between the devil and the deep blue sea at times this season as he attempts to achieve defensive stability while maintaining a cutting edge in attack.
He reverted to his Plan A in the Leeds midfield against West Ham, starting Ao Tanaka in a midfield trio, and Leeds immediately looked more dangerous in possession.
However, the stats from FotMob show that Tanaka faded in the game, with his impact diminishing as the night went on. Overall, Tanaka had just 37 touches and made 25 passes as a frenetic game played out.
Ao Tanaka vs West Ham
Touches: 37
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 25 (86%)
Passes into the final third: 2
Interceptions: 1
Recoveries: 2
Returning goalkeeper Lucas Perri has a tendency to kick the ball long, which means Tanaka can be bypassed if the ball doesn’t stick with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. If Stach is fit to return, Leeds’ Japanese international may be relegated back to the bench for the trip to Brighton.