A look at the games injured Leeds United pair Anton Stach and Joe Rodon could miss.
Leeds United’s worst fears were realised on Thursday following confirmation of serious ankle injuries for Anton Stach and Joe Rodon.
The Leeds pair were both forced off during last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final penalty-shootout win at West Ham. Stach was on the receiving end of a heavy and late challenge from defender Max Kilman after getting a shot away while Rodon landed awkwardly after jumping for an aerial ball.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s trip to Manchester United, Farke confirmed the bad news. He said: "Anton will definitely miss the game on Monday, ankle injury. Also Joe Rodon will miss the game, ankle injury for him. Normally you would say it was not realistic that they would be able to help us in April.
“Our medical department is trying everything, you want to have these players back as soon as possible. We will try step-by-step. If they were able to feature in April it would be a bonus, realistically we have to say we'll see them back in May."
The injuries come at a terrible time for Leeds, who will now be without two of their most important players through the spine of the team. Rodon has played more Premier League minutes than anyone else this season while Stach has been ever-present when fit.
Should Farke’s early prediction of a May return prove correct, the pair will miss at least the next four games including an FA Cup semi-final trip to Wembley to face Chelsea. They would also miss trips to Manchester United and Bournemouth as well as a must-win meeting with rock-bottom Wolves at Elland Road.
Early May return predicted for injured Leeds United pair
The first game in May actually comes on the month’s first day, with Leeds’ home game against Burnley brought forward to be on the Friday evening. Should Stach and Rodon return to feature against the Clarets, it would make them available for the final four league games and a potential FA Cup final, should Chelsea be defeated.
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Farke said it would be a ‘bonus’ if either Stach or Rodon could play again this month but Leeds have welcomed players back from injury quickly before. The Thorp Arch medical staff have often been labelled Champions League level by the Whites boss with the likes of Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu enjoying speedy recoveries over the past couple of seasons.
Rodon has precedent for recovering quickly, too. The Welshman suffered an ankle ligament injury against Sunderland back in December with fears of a lengthy absence, but he returned 10 days later and missed just two matches.
It is highly likely the pair will miss Leeds’ next three league games, but they, Farke and the medical staff may have an optimistic eye on that Wembley trip, which has now been confirmed for 3pm on Sunday, April 26. Having them back to face Chelsea would be a huge boost.
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