Leeds could now be without a key star for the West Ham clash after suffering a training injury
Leeds United have been dealt a blow after the club’s pre-West Ham news, with Daniel Farke facing the prospect of a key absence.
Leeds travel to London for a West Ham tie
Sunday’s trip to the London Stadium carries some weight for this Leeds side.
Not because a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley is anyone’s prize – although that alone would not be enough – but because both clubs find themselves on either side of the trophy.
West Ham are currently in the relegation zone in the Premier League, desperate for any promotion the competition has to offer.
Leeds arrive in a more comfortable position, the team still looking over their shoulder at the drop, well aware that their two clubs must meet again on the final day of the league season in a game that could be decisive for both.
Leeds have reached this stage as they beat Derby 3-1, Birmingham have been kicked on penalties after playing in a 1-1 draw, and Norwich are satisfying with three goals to zero.
West Ham’s path to the last eight has been hard-earned – going to extra-time against QPR and Burton, and needing penalties to face Brentford.
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It would be a blow for the Hammers.
The Hammers have home advantage, and there is a cautionary precedent for Leeds to think about: the last time they stepped into this stadium, in 2023, they ended up losing 3-1 and were relegated from the Premier League.
Farke’s side will be determined to write a different ending this time.
Their only meeting this season – a Premier League clash at Elland Road in October – went to the whites, with Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon doing the damage.
Confounding Farke’s preparations, however, is the unwelcome news that has emerged from training during the international break – and at the center of it is a player who has done more than anyone else to make Leeds a viable Premier League outfit this season.
Leeds could be without Anton Stach for West Ham draw
Anton Stach is a doubt for Sunday’s tie after reporting a hip problem in training.
Leeds’ official website confirmed the concern today, noting that while several players who missed international duty are expected to be available despite the limited time to reunite with the club, specific doubts remain over Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The latter is apparently dealing with a hamstring problem, again from training.
For Farke, Stach’s absence may represent more than just a head pick.
It is a disruption in the very axis on which his side is built. The 27-year-old German arrived from Hoffenheim in July 2025 for around £20m and has been outstanding in his first Premier League season – 26 league appearances, four goals and three assists in over 2,000 minutes of football.
Stach reinforces Farke’s preferred 3-5-2 formation from deep, providing physical probing, continuous carry and spatial intelligence that allows the system to work on both sides of the ball.
Farke will likely test the ‘wonderful’ pillar before naming his eleven.
Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff offer other options in that midfield engine room, although they don’t possess the same combination of physical and technical qualities.
A semi-final at Wembley is still within reach, but getting there without the most important midfielder would make the task more difficult.
Interestingly, reports emerged on Sunday that a return to Leeds for Crysencio Summerville is possible if West Ham are relegated.
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