Leeds United star misses out on World Cup squad place despite positive injury update

The Whites star, who has shone in his debut season in the Premier League, is currently injured after suffering what appeared to be a laceration around his ankle during the win over Brighton and Hove Albion. An awkward landing saw him become entangled with an opponent and stay down on the turf while he received treatment. Although Stach did attempt to play on he had to be stretchered off the pitch and cameras picked up a significant amount of bleeding through his sock.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke will give a full update on the injury situation ahead of the West Ham United game when he sits down with the press on Friday afternoon but the YEP understands that Stach's injury is not a serious one and it is believed the cut will only keep him out for a matter of two or three weeks. But Julian Nagelsmann's squad announcement on Thursday morning revealed that there was no place for Stach in the squad for this summer's major tournament.

Stach celebrated a long-awaited return to the national team set-up back in March when he came off the bench to play 10 minutes in the 4-3 win over Switzerland. That was the 27-year-old's first involvement with Germany since June 2022. This season he has become a key player for Leeds in their successful bid to remain a Premier League club. Stach has scored five goals and added three assists but his contribution has also included a serious physical presence in the middle and high up the pitch. His ability to win duels, press teams and anticipate passes has helped with the defensive side of Farke's system, while his chance creation and set-piece skill has been a major factor in the team's offensive output.

On Tuesday night Stach appeared at the club's awards ceremony on crutches and in a protective boot but able to put weight through the injured ankle. The German picked up the Goal of the Season award for his audacious free-kick at Villa Park.