Leeds United gambled on Anton Stach as Gabriel Gudmundsson picks up new injury
Leeds United gambled with the fitness of Anton Stach at Wembley, as Daniel Farke asked Anton Stach to play more minutes than the medical team would have liked to try to rescue their FA Cup final hopes.
Stach was Leeds' best player in the second half of their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, and appeared to come through unscathed, but left wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has picked up another muscle injury.
The half-time introduction of Stach, who injured his ankle during the quarter-final at West Ham United, and the tactical switch that came with it lifted Leeds' performance. But they were unable to pull back the goal Enzo Fernandez scored after 23 minutes.
"He was expected to be out until the beginning of May," explained Farke. "Friday was the first time back in team training.
"He's an important player for us.
"Normally, if you're out for three-and-a-half weeks, two sessions are not enough, but it was a special occasion and Anton is a very special player for us. We went a bit against our principles.
"I think he played a really good second half. It's good to have him back, and it will give him confidence in his body again.
"But (to ask him to play) 45 minutes, I was a bit concerned. And especially the medical department was a bit concerned.
"It was definitely not possible for one minute longer.
"Probably even during a potential extra-time we would have had to take him off but I want to take the risk to turn the game."
Left-back Gudmundsson was limping heavily after Leeds used all their substitutes.
"It seems like a hamstring injury," said Farke. "We have to assess him right now."