Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Fri 10 April 2026 15:40, UK

Anton Stach’s injury blow for Leeds United is a setback in more ways than one.

The German international was forced off in the first half of Leeds’ FA Cup quarter-final win over West Ham following a late challenge from Max Kilman.

Stach took to social media later on Sunday, showing off his swollen ankle and hitting out at those who accused him of faking his injury.

On Thursday, Daniel Farke broke the news that many Leeds fans feared, with his ankle ligament injury likely to keep him out until May.

Stach joins a growing Leeds injury list ahead of facing rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday, in a match where the Whites will surely miss the 27-year-old’s quality.

Anton Stach proves his worth

Leeds forked out £17million to sign Stach from Hoffenheim last summer and so far, he has proven to be one of the club’s best signings this season.

To date, he has scored four goals and bagged three assists, with his long-range strikes against Wolves and Aston Villa likely to live long in the memory.

But Leeds will have to make do without him for a while. On Thursday, Farke said: “Not the best news today, in general. Anton Stach will definitely miss the game on Monday, ankle injury after the cup game.”

The former Norwich City boss added that Stach and Joe Rodon are likely to return in May, in a worrying update for Leeds fans.

Not only is Stach an excellent presser, free-kick taker, as well as being an excellent physical unit around the pitch, he provides Leeds with a long-range goal threat, something few of his teammates can offer.

Indeed, Stach’s 29 shots outside the box are not too far behind Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (45) and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (38), with the Leeds man sixth on this list.

Moreover, Stach averages 2.2 tackles per game, 4.3 ball recoveries, 1.8 clearances, and 2.2 key passes – as well as boasting four goals from an Expected Goals tally of 2.55.

Leeds will be heavy underdogs against Man Utd. And having someone who can try his luck from long range can be invaluable. Instead, Leeds will have to find other means of beating the Red Devils on Monday.

Leeds aim to end barren Man Utd stretch

Leeds take on their old adversaries early next week, seeking to end a torrid run of results at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 18 home league games against Leeds (11 draws and seven wins), since a 1-0 loss in February 1981.

Leeds are looking to avoid losing both league meetings with Man Utd in a season for the first time since 1994-95 after drawing 1-1 at Elland Road in January.

West Ham, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest all play before Leeds, so when their match rolls round on Monday, the bottom of the table could look quite different.

And Leeds’ growing injury problems will not help in their goal of getting one over on their Lancashire foes.