Leeds Live report that Leeds United defender Robin Koch left a training session in Spain on Tuesday morning early after feeling ‘discomfort’ in his achilles or calf – ahead of a pre-season friendly against Spanish side Elche on Thursday.
Koch, 26, has become a mainstay in his third season at Leeds. Starting all 14 Premier League matches, he has played every single minute of League action – apart from the second half against Leicester. He was hooked at half-time.
The Germany international had looked as though he had put his injury demons behind him. In his first two seasons at Leeds, the £13m signing from Freiburg only managed 38 appearances. But he has been a mainstay for Jesse Marsch.
Leeds are in a Valencia training camp preparing for the return to action, after the World Cup. Leeds have three games line-up, starting with Elche on Thursday and then Real Sociedad and Monaco. Tuesday was our third day in Spain.
During the session, Leeds Live report that Koch limped out of training and complaining of discomfort. He was seen stretching out his calf and achilles area before trudging back to the changing rooms. Hopefully, just a twinge.
Leeds defender Koch leaves training session on Tuesday early
Koch has been superb – and his importance to the side is enormous. Liam Cooper is playing on the left side, with Pascal Struijk operating at left-back. With Struijk first choice and Junior Firpo injured again, keeping Koch fit is important.
Indeed, Diego Llorente has already undergone surgery on his hand while in Spain. But he was back in the gym on Tuesday. Koch and Cooper are first choice and while Llorente can come in, it is important Koch remains injury free.
Leeds are next in action against Manchester City on December 28 in the Premier League. A tall order, but Leeds may be boosted by the fact that City have 16 players at the World Cup – while Leeds had three, all of which are knocked out.
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