Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that central defender Robin Koch will not play against Chelsea but could feature against the Newcastle United Under-23 side.
The Whites will take on Chelsea at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Leeds Under-23 side will take on their Newcastle counterparts in Premier League 2 next Monday.
Koch, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, aggravated a knee injury against Chelsea in December 2020 and has been on the sidelines since.
Leeds head coach Bielsa has made it clear that the 24-year-old Germany international will not play against Chelsea, but he has suggested that he could feature in the Under-23 side against Newcastle next week.
Bielsa told Leeds Live about Koch playing against the Newcastle Under-23s next week: “We think he will. I would like to think so, but I don’t want to confirm because I don’t want to say something which then turns out to be an error.”
Positive for Leeds United fans
If Koch plays against the Newcastle Under-23 side, then it will be another step towards his recovery to full fitness.
The defender joined the Whites in the summer of 2020 and was playing well before his injury, and if he is able to return to the team for the final games of the season, then it will be a huge boost to the team.
According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has made 11 appearances in the Premier League for the West Yorkshire club so far this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
