Ciaran Morrison

Fri 10 April 2026 17:00, UK

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Anton Stach’s availability could prove to be the difference for Leeds United in their fight to avoid Premier League relegation.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, after Stach was forced off during Leeds’ FA Cup quarter-final victory over West Ham.

The 27-year-old was replaced in the first half after picking up an injury from a Max Kilman challenge when he took a shot on goal.

Stach will not be involved in Leeds’ next match at Manchester United, and it is unclear when the German will return to action.

Joe Rodon will also miss the match whilst a doubt remains over Gabriel Gudmundsson’s availability for Leeds before their trip to Old Trafford, with Daniel Farke’s side still requiring points to ensure their Premier League safety.

Anton Stach the ‘heartbeat’ of Leeds United

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Stach would be a “big miss” if he can not feature in any of Leeds’ matches between now and the end of the season.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that the midfielder’s performances have gone “unnoticed” in the Premier League.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “He is exactly the sort of player that typifies what I’m talking about with Daniel Farke.

“He’s crucial in terms of tightening up in front of the defence. And I think that he would be a big miss if they don’t have him. He’s been an engine for them throughout games and certainly one that has done the work without getting any major recognition.

“One of those quality classic players that goes unnoticed, but he really is the rhythm of the team and the heartbeat of the team. Hopefully it’s just a knock and they can get him fixed.

“Even if they miss him for one game, they’d want him back for those last three or four matches. And I hope he can, because he deserves to be given the acknowledgement that he’s been such an important influence this season.”

Leeds make clear decision on Pascal Struijk’s future

Pascal Struijk has also been a star performer for Leeds this season at centre-back, and Farke has no plans to sell the 26-year-old this summer.

Sources have told Football Insider that Leeds are desperate to keep Struijk at the club amid growing interest from Premier League rivals.

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle could all make an approach for the Dutchman this summer, and Premier League survival for Leeds will be crucial to ensure he doesn’t depart.

Leeds may want to tie Struijk down to a new contract, as his current deal at Elland Road expires in 2027.