Marcelo Bielsa reveals good news on Robin Koch for Leeds United and Germany

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa is expecting defender Robin Koch to return to training next week.
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The German national team centre-half is in an advanced stage of his rehabilitation from knee surgery and Bielsa expects him to come back and pick up where he left off, having impressed in the early parts of the season.

"I suppose he will be back with us on the first week of March," said Bielsa.

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"He is within the margins that were expected. Koch is a player who is very optimistic, very happy very hard working. And also very serious in taking up his responsibilities. And I had the thought that he is going to be back with the same power pr type of performances prior to his injury."

Koch actually sustained the injury in the very first game of the season, a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. But he was able to play through the pain, for club and country, before suffering further damage in a collision early during Leeds' trip to Chelsea.

The decision was made to operate on the knee and Koch stated his belief that he would be back in action by the spring, ahead of the summer's European Championships.

This week he told German newspaper Badische Zeitung: "It’s a bit unfortunate. In general, injuries are never easy for a footballer, even if they are part of the job. But I’m one who stays positive.

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"Rehabilitation and training every day, beyond that there is unfortunately not much to talk about.

COMING SOON - Leeds United defender Robin Koch will rejoin training at Thorp Arch next week. Pic: GettyCOMING SOON - Leeds United defender Robin Koch will rejoin training at Thorp Arch next week. Pic: Getty
COMING SOON - Leeds United defender Robin Koch will rejoin training at Thorp Arch next week. Pic: Getty

"I drive to the club area every morning to train and have treatments there. Then I’ll go home again. It’s good that we get lunch from the club. I don’t have to cook like this. I often do a second training session at home. A lot actually revolves around my rehab."

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