Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach is looking at a potential injury absence after the meeting with West Ham, leaving Daniel Farke forced into changes.
With seven Premier League games remaining this season, United have shown what it takes to stay in the division.
The performance against rivals West Ham in the FA Cup was further evidence too. Leeds took the game to an in-form rival and were the better side for 92 minutes.
Anton Stach looking at worrying Leeds United injury absence as grim image emerges
Leeds were somehow denied what looked a blatant penalty in the first half when Anton Stach was scythed down late by Max Kilman in the box.
While no penalty was given for an obvious foul, Stach was left to feel the effects of Kilman’s terrible lunge.
Forced off with ankle problems, he was seen in crutches as Leeds got the last laugh in the end, sporting a protective boot on the touchline.
After the game, Stach took to Instagram with a picture of his swollen ankle, presumably quoting Kilman in saying “stop acting” to him when he was stricken on the deck.
Ao Tanaka opportunity opens up amid Leeds United’s Anton Stach scare
We currently don’t know the extent of Stach’s injury. A protective boot is standard for a player with such an injury after the game. The medical staff won’t want to aggravate it any further.
Farke’s concerns are over ligament damage. That sort of setback could effectively end Stach’s season early if it’s a bad one, which is a devastating blow.
But, if you’re looking for any crumb of optimism here, it does swing the door wide open for Ao Tanaka.
The Japan international was arguably the best player on the pitch in the 69 minutes he played. He provided quality in all aspects of his play. He was capable of playing through the lines, dropping deep to retain possession, made runs into the box (to score). Not only was he exceptional on the ball, but he broke up play with a high press.
There wasn’t a single thing from Tanaka’s performance that you’d have as a red flag. To me, if Stach is ruled out for the foreseeable, Tanaka is surely right at the front of the pecking order to replace him.
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