Anton Stach ‘heartbroken’ after FA Cup semi-final loss as Leeds refocus on survival | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach was left heartbroken after making a swift return from injury in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, with focus now on Premier League survival.

Introduced at half-time with Leeds trailing 1-0 to Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header, the German drew a sharp save from Robert Sanchez but could not find a leveller. The Wembley loss ended the Whites’ cup run. Speaking after full-time, the Leeds boss said Stach had been expected to be out until early May, returned to team training on Friday and, despite only two sessions, was involved because of the occasion and his importance.

Stach suffered ankle ligament damage in the previous round at West Ham three weeks ago and his early comeback is a boost for the run-in. The limit was 45 minutes, and extra-time might have forced a change.

He later described the defeat as heartbreaking, thanked supporters and stressed the focus is on staying in the league. Leeds remain well placed in the survival battle.

There are four matches left, starting with Burnley at home on Friday night. Stach, 27, has been influential this season and his attacking quality will be important against Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk