Robin Koch reveals when he hopes to be back playing for Leeds United and Germany following knee surgery

The German international has told Bild that he played through the pain barrier for the Whites and his national team but, given the importance of 2021, the time had come to operate.

Leeds confirmed earlier today that their summer signing was due to go under the knife in London today and Koch revealed he will be operated on by leading sports surgeon Dr Andy Williams who has treated the likes of Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.

Bild have reported that Koch suffered a tear in the meniscus, although Leeds expect to find out the full extent of the problem after today's operation.

It was at Liverpool in the opening game of the Premier League season that the injury first occurred but Koch did not miss any league action and continued to play for Germany, before collision with Chelsea's Olivier Giroud saw the 24-year-old limp from the Stamford Bridge pitch on Saturday.

“At the beginning of the season we decided together with the doctors that I could play like this for the time being," said Koch.

"But it was clear to us that sooner or later we would have to perform the procedure. The time came after the game against Chelsea. In view of a very important year for me in 2021, it is now crucial to be able to be back on the field in spring.

“Andy Williams is an absolute expert in this field. I felt that I was in very good hands with him from the start."