Germany international midfielder Anton Stach has reportedly sustained a potentially serious injury during Leeds United’s fixture, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming World Cup.
During Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, Stach was involved in a harsh collision with Carlos Baleba in the 71st minute while challenging for a 50-50 ball. The impact appeared severe, resulting in what looked like a significant leg injury.
Television replays revealed blood on Stach’s foot, and his knee also seemed to have been affected. The 27-year-old midfielder had to be stretchered off the pitch, with Joel Piroe coming on as his replacement shortly after the incident.
Following the match, there was no official diagnosis provided, but early indications suggest the injury could jeopardise his chances of being selected for Germany’s World Cup squad.
National team coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to reveal his final list of players this Thursday.
Stach had been part of the squad for Germany’s last round of international fixtures. The 27-year-old was called up by Nagelsmann for the March friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, where he featured for about ten minutes in total. Despite limited playing time, he had remained a strong candidate for a World Cup spot.
Currently, Stach has earned three senior international caps. He has been enjoying an impressive season with Leeds United, having contributed eight goal involvements — five goals and three assists — in 29 Premier League appearances so far.