Why Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol are not in the Leeds United squad vs Fulham
The Leeds United pair were absent from Saturday’s matchday squad vs Fulham.
Leeds United pair Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach are both absent from the matchday squad against Fulham due to muscle injuries.
Rumours surrounding the pair’s absence began to circulate on Saturday morning although the exact reason at the time was unknown. Neither player was spotted with the squad at Elland Road and when the team news came out at 1.45pm, the double blow was confirmed.
Bijol has been replaced by James Justin in the Leeds back three, with Jayden Bogle returning from a calf injury to start at right wing-back. Ilia Gruev has replaced Stach in central midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Daniel Farke confirmed both Stach and Bijol had picked up muscle injuries. And while the latter could be back in time to face Everton a week on Monday, his Slovenian international teammate might be out for multiple games.
“Anton has an adductor strain, we hope to have him back for Everton,” Farke told BBC Sport. “Jaka has a hamstring strain, which may be a bit longer.”
Leeds face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, January 26. The Whites then host Arsenal at Elland Road the following Saturday, although it remains to be seen if either will be available.