Anton Stach 'heartbroken' after Leeds FA Cup semi-final loss as focus shifts to Burnley | OneFootball

Anton Stach made an early return from an ankle ligament lay-off in Leeds United’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

Stach sustained the injury in the previous round at West Ham three weeks ago, and he and centre-back Joe Rodon had been expected to be out until May. Daniel Farke introduced him at half-time with Leeds trailing 1-0 to Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header.

The German almost levelled soon after the restart, his drive from the edge of the box tipped over by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. He continued to influence the game but a Leeds equaliser proved elusive.

In a social media post, the 27-year-old described himself as heartbroken, thanked supporters for their backing, and said the focus is on staying in the league.

Farke said Stach only returned to training on Friday and, although he would usually demand more sessions, selected him because of the occasion and the player’s importance. He added that 45 minutes was his limit and he might have withdrawn him had the tie reached extra time.

The cup run is over, with Burnley at Elland Road on Friday the first of four remaining league games. Stach’s early return offers a timely boost for the run-in.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk