Anton Stach
LEE
Center Midfielder
Right Winger
Box-to-Box
Nov 15, 1998 (27)
Right
6'4"
190 lb
24 minutes against Black Cats
Stach had four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
Analysis: Stach was welcomed to the field from the bench with 24 minutes left to play Sunday, getting a limited outing just after returning from injury. In his time on the field, he would record four crosses and three corners, one of his quieter matches. He should return to a starting role, as he had yet to miss a start until the injury concern.
Available off bench against Sunderland
Stach (adductor) has been named among the substitutes for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after dealing with an adductor issue.
Analysis: Stach is available for Sunday's encounter against Sunderland despite experiencing adductor discomfort during the buildup to the match. The German midfielder had started all seven Premier League fixtures this season, contributing one goal while establishing himself as a regular presence in Leeds' midfield. His omission from the starting XI ends that run of consecutive starts, with Brenden Aaronson taking his place in the lineup. Stach could still contribute off the bench, although his recent injury concerns may lead to his minutes being managed.
Could miss Sunderland clash
Stach (adductor) is dealing with an adductor issue ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland, leaving his availability uncertain, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Stach and Okafor have some adductor problems."
Analysis: Stach is dealing with a foot issue that has disrupted his preparations for Sunday's clash against Sunderland, leaving his availability in doubt. The German midfielder has started all seven Premier League matches this season, contributing one goal while playing an important role in Leeds' midfield and set-piece situations. His potential absence would represent a significant loss given his regular involvement and attacking contributions from dead-ball situations. Harry Wilson could provide an alternative if Stach is unable to feature, with his status remaining uncertain ahead of the weekend.
Creates four chances against United
Stach registered two shots (one on goal), four crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Stach delivered an influential creative performance, producing four chances and three accurate crosses while attempting two shots. His corner in the 51st minute was flicked on by Tarik Muharemovic before Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the equalizer. The German midfielder has started all seven Premier League matches this season, contributing one goal while remaining heavily involved in Leeds' set-piece situations. His combination of shooting opportunities, chance creation and dead-ball responsibilities makes him one of the team's more promising sources of attacking production.
Active on set pieces in defeat
Stach generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Arsenal.
Analysis: Stach remained heavily involved in Leeds' midfield, producing two shots, seven crosses and four corner deliveries while winning three tackles. He also made an important defensive intervention following a turnover by Ao Tanaka and nearly connected with a Gabriel Gudmundsson cross in the first half. The midfielder has accumulated one goal, seven chances created, 21 corners, 16 tackles and 11 interceptions across six Premier League appearances this season. His responsibility for set pieces continues to provide additional attacking opportunities alongside his regular midfield duties.
Delivers seven crosses
Stach had one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Stach remained heavily involved in Leeds' set-piece delivery, taking four corners and sending in seven crosses across the full 90 minutes. The midfielder also contributed three interceptions as Leeds held Palace scoreless. Stach has started every Premier League match this season and his set-piece responsibilities continue to provide him with a consistent source of attacking involvement.
Busy in win
Stach registered one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Monday's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Stach piled on the volume throughout Monday's win, he added six crosses and had a strong role on set-pieces on the way to the rout. The midfielder is a crucial part of everything Leeds do in the attack and he is continuing to shine to start this season. This sort of win is a perfect springboard into a very difficult run of matches.
Five corners in 1-1 draw
Stach registered one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Brighton.
Analysis: Stach continued his run as Leeds' main set piece taker with five corners as his side drew with Brighton. He made seven crosses in total, but only completed one for one chance created. Stach did have a shot, but was unable to finish the good chance which was saved.
Key on set pieces
Stach generated one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Stach played 90 minutes as Leeds' central midfielder, registering one shot, three corners and seven crosses of which one was accurate, while also making two interceptions, four tackles and six clearances and producing one key defensive intervention when he raced back to dive at full stretch and prevent a low cross reaching a Brentford forward during the first half. He was less influential with the ball than in last week's victory over Nottingham Forest but provided the defensive work rate that helped Leeds compete physically against Brentford's pressing system. Stach has now started both of Leeds' Premier League fixtures and has made six interceptions and four corners across the opening two matches.
Scores only goal in 1-0 win
Stach scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Stach helped his side to a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest as he scored the only goal from a free kick in the 88th minute. The goal came from three shots with the free kick that got turned into the net by Mats Sels. He will look to follow up his opening PL season where he scored five goals.
Comes through with winning goal
Stach scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Stach gave Leeds United the three points with a perfect free kick in the latter stages of the second half. The holding midfielder has strong all-around value due to his contributions on both sides of the ball, but his set-piece ability gives him an added bonus in most formats. As long as Stach stays healthy, he should continue to anchor Leeds' midfield line.
In training ground for preseason
Stach (ankle) is back at Leeds United's facilities to start preseason, the player posted on his instagram.
Analysis: Stach's ankle issue late last season required stitches but was not considered a major injury, and his return to the club's facilities marks the beginning of his buildup toward the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign. He finished last season with five goals and three assists across 29 appearances (28 starts), establishing himself as the club's lead midfielder, and his health through preseason will be closely watched as Leeds United prepares for the new season.
Won't play season finale
Stach (ankle) is out for Sunday's match against West Ham, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Obviously, with Anton [Stach], a bit mixed news. So bad news is that he is not available for this game. The good news is that it is not a major injury. He just needs to be stitched anyhow. And if the game were next Wednesday or Thursday, he would be available. So it is not a major injury. Just for this game, it is not possible. He will definitely miss this game."
Analysis: Stach is going to miss the end of the season after suffering an ankle injury, needing stitches, and not being risked in the season finale. After also missing the German national team, this has been a rough week for the midfielder, now with his sights focused on a recovery heading into the next season. The club's lead midfielder ends the season with five goals and three assists in 29 appearances (28 starts) this campaign.
Left out of Germany squad
Stach (ankle) was not called up by Germany for the World Cup and remains a doubt for Sunday's season finale against West Ham.
Analysis: Stach had been stretchered off during the Brighton fixture with a painful ankle injury, and his omission from manager Julian Nagelsmann's squad is a deeply disappointing outcome for a player who had been pushing hard to earn a place in the tournament roster after returning ahead of schedule from a previous ankle ligament issue. The midfielder's availability for Sunday's final fixture of the Leeds United season will be assessed over the coming days, with the club monitoring his condition before making any decisions on his involvement against West Ham.
Forced off on stretcher
Stach (ankle) was stretchered off in the 74th minute of Sunday's clash against Brighton after an opponent fell on his knee or ankle, leaving his World Cup participation with Germany in serious doubt, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Leeds Live. "Opponent falls on his knee or ankle. Too painful, hope not too bad. World Cup is around the corner, hope it's not too bad. But just guessing right now. Ankle injury. Have to wait for medical team."
Analysis: Stach was visibly in significant pain as the stretcher was called for, with the sight of blood adding to the concern surrounding the nature of the injury. The timing could not be worse for the midfielder, who had only recently returned ahead of schedule from an ankle ligament issue and was pushing to earn a place in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's World Cup squad. Manager Daniel Farke acknowledged the World Cup implications while stopping short of making any definitive assessment, with the medical team yet to provide a full evaluation. With the tournament less than a month away, the next few days of testing will be crucial in determining whether Stach has any realistic chance of featuring for Germany this summer.
Scores opener in Friday's win
Stach scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Friday's 3-1 win over Burnley.
Analysis: Stach opened up the scoring Friday with an outside-the-box strike in the 8th minute assisted by Jaka Bijol. It came on one of his five shots -- his second most in a match this season -- and he also created three chances and recorded seven crosses on the attack. He added one tackle, one interception and one clearance before he was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Brendan Aaronson.
Plays 45 minutes in return
Stach (ankle) came on at halftime in Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup semifinal defeat to Chelsea, returning ahead of his initial May timeline after recovering from an ankle ligament issue, according to coach Daniel Farke, per LeedsLive. "On Friday, it was the first time back in team training. Normally, if you're out for three and a half weeks, two sessions are not enough to take part, but this was a special occasion. Also Anton is a very special player for us."
Analysis: Stach's early return was described as a special case by coach Daniel Farke, who acknowledged the medical staff had concerns about bringing him on at halftime given he had only returned to team training Friday. The German midfielder had been ruled out until May with the ankle ligament issue, making Sunday's appearance a notably accelerated recovery. Manager Daniel Farke added that he may have been forced to withdraw Stach had the match gone to extra time, underlining the cautious approach the club is taking with his workload. His availability going forward will depend on how he responds physically in the coming days.
Returns to bench
Stach (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's FA Cup showdown with Chelsea.
Analysis: Stach returns to the bench for Sunday's clash after overcoming an ankle issue. The midfielder is back fit and available now and could play a role off the bench. There's some concern that he's not fully fit, as if he was he would likely have slotted straight back into the starting XI.
Could potentially play Sunday
Stach is doubtful for Sunday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Daniel Farke. "We have obviously a few more days and, yes, we will see. So, the first step is right now to have him back in team training, rather sooner than later. And, of course, if a key player like him would be back in team training, then he would also have a chance to be picked because he is a crucial player for us. But, yeah, let's see how the next 72 hours will develop."
Analysis: Stach was likely to miss another week of action, but it appears the club will now try to push for his return heading into Sunday's FA Cup semifinal. However, he remains doubtful, as even though he plays a major role in the midfield, they will not want to risk further injury by having him return too soon. There remains an outside chance he could play if training and testing go well, although there will remain a question of how many minutes he will be available for if he is deemed an option.
Still not in team training
Stach (ankle) remains absent from team training, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Anton won't travel with us as he is not back in team training yet. We have to see day by day. I hope that he comes back into team training as soon as possible. I think for this injury it's realistic for a return in May. But it's a question of days not weeks."
Analysis: Stach has been sidelined with an ankle ligament injury for several weeks and his continued absence from the training pitch confirms he will not be available for the immediate fixtures ahead. The German midfielder has been one of Leeds' most important players this season with seven goal contributions across 25 starts, making his extended absence a significant blow for the club. Ilia Gruev, Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka have been sharing the midfield load in his absence and will continue to do so until Stach is cleared to return.
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