Leeds United are just hours away from kicking off against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in a big Premier League clash later this afternoon.
Daniel Farke has a few injury worries ahead of Leeds facing Sunderland in a game where the away side are considered the favourites to win all three points.
Sunderland have lost their last four league games and sit 19th in the table. However, Farke revealed a few major injury concerns during Friday’s press conference.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor are all carrying injuries. But one player has hinted he will be in the matchday squad in the coming hours.
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Anton Stach has dropped a major fitness hint
The German midfielder suffered a foot injury during the 1-1 home draw with Manchester United, and Farke confirmed he was a doubt for the game.
However, Anton Stach has posted another matchday graphic on his personal Instagram page ahead of the Sunderland clash.
It is a clear hint that the midfielder could be ready for the matchday squad when the teams are announced in the coming hours at the Stadium of Light.
Stach has been a major player for Leeds and has featured in different roles as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It remains to be seen whether Farke continues to use the German in that role or pushes him back into midfield for a more attacking option.
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Stach needs to play in his natural role
Anton Stach is being asked to do a job at Leeds that does not get the best out of him. Daniel Farke’s decision to use the £17m signing in a right-sided attacking midfield role is understandable, but it risks wasting one of his most valuable qualities: his ability to influence games from deeper positions.
Stach looked far more comfortable as a number eight last season, where he could dictate the tempo, move the ball forward and contribute to Leeds’ build-up play. Pushing him closer to the opposition goal limits his involvement in those areas and puts greater emphasis on creativity and final-third output, which aren’t necessarily his strongest attributes.
Leeds need midfield control and progression, particularly against aggressive presses. Stach can provide both when deployed in his natural position.
Farke should stop trying to force the German into an attacking role and let him do what he does best. Leeds will benefit from it.
