Anton Stach Credit: Imago
Leeds United’s FA Cup run could come at a major cost in the Premier League after Anton Stach picked up a major injury against West Ham at the London Stadium.
The midfielder surprisingly started in the quarter-final clash as Daniel Farke named a strong team at the London Stadium to progress further in the tournament.
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However, the Leeds manager’s decision is set to backfire as the German midfielder was forced off the pitch in the first half following a heavy tackle that injured his foot.
And it seems the injury is more serious than the Leeds fans would have hoped for, with Leeds still fighting to survive in the Premier League with seven games left in the season.
Anton Stach could miss the run-in for Leeds
Stach was taken off as it was clear that he was not fit enough to continue. However, the news coming out of the London Stadium is not painting a pretty picture.
The Leeds midfielder was seen in a protective boot and crutches during the game, which does not bode well if you are a Leeds fan.
Stach has been a major player for Leeds this season, and Farke would have counted on him as the Whites look to secure Premier League safety.
However, he is now expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines with no guarantees that he will be fit before the end of the season.
Farke took a major risk starting him over Sean Longstaff in the FA Cup, and it is now set to backfire in the Premier League in the coming weeks.
He seems almost certain to miss the trip to Manchester United, but the protective boots and crutches suggest that he is likely to be out longer.
Leeds will carry out scans in the coming weeks, and Farke will have more to say on the injury ahead of the pre-match press conference at the end of the week.
Farke will regret this decision
Leeds have more options on the bench for a place in the midfielder and Ao Tanaka showed today he could come into the team if necessary.
However, Stach has been a major player for Leeds and adds physicality and real set-piece threat from his presence on the pitch.
If he misses the majority of the last seven Premier League games, it would be a major issue for Farke to solve at the business end of the season.
The Leeds manager could end up regretting playing Stach in the FA Cup clash if results go south for Leeds in the Premier League run-in.