Anton Stach (foto: Screenshot)
Leeds midfielder Anton Stach was stretchered off against Brighton with his foot covered in blood, creating huge concern ahead of Germany’s World Cup squad announcement.
Anton Stach suffered a frightening injury during Leeds United’s victory over Brighton, creating serious concern over his chances of playing at the upcoming World Cup.
The German midfielder was stretchered off during the match at Elland Road after appearing to injure his foot in a painful incident.
Television cameras showed Stach leaving the pitch in visible agony while his foot appeared heavily bloodied.
The 27-year-old received warm applause from the Leeds supporters as he was replaced by Joel Piroe.
The injury arrives at the worst possible moment for the midfielder.
Stach had recently forced his way back into the plans of Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann after an impressive first season in the Premier League.
The Leeds player had built strong momentum ahead of the final World Cup squad announcement and was widely viewed as a realistic option for Germany’s midfield.
Stach featured in 29 Premier League matches this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
He joined Leeds from Hoffenheim last summer in a deal reportedly worth around £17 million.
The midfielder has earned three international caps so far and recently returned to the Germany setup after almost four years away from the national team.
His comeback came during the spring international break after previously last appearing in Germany’s 5-2 victory over Italy in the Nations League back in 2022.
Leeds eventually secured a dramatic late victory against Brighton despite losing one of their key players.
Daniel Farke’s side struggled for much of the game before stealing all three points through an injury-time goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The striker capitalized after Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen rushed off his line in a costly mistake.
The victory lifted Leeds into 13th place, while Brighton’s hopes of European qualification suffered another major setback.
Attention now turns toward medical examinations on Stach’s injury and whether the German international still has enough time to recover before the World Cup begins.