Robin Koch spotted in Leeds United training ahead of injury comeback after lengthy absence

The Whites host Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime in the top flight.
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Robin Koch has been spotted in first team training ahead of Leeds United's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Elland Road.

The German international has been sidelined since early December with a knee problem which required surgery in the capital.

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Koch aggravated the issue in the Whites' loss in the reverse fixture against the Blues at Stamford Bridge and has been missing ever since the 3-1 defeat.

The 24-year-old made 11 top flight starts for Leeds following his £14m summer switch from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg before heading to the Thorp Arch treatment room.

Koch featured in the club's latest senior training video on LUTV ahead of this weekend's hosting of Thomas Tuchel's men in LS11 - completing drills both indoors and out on the training pitch.

He is, though, said to be unlikely to feature against the Blues and is expected to play for the Leeds development squad on Monday when Marck Jackson's Under-23s host Newcastle United.

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"We think he will [play against Newcastle]," Bielsa told his pre-Chelsea press briefing about Koch's comeback.

Leeds United defender Robin Koch. Pic: GettyLeeds United defender Robin Koch. Pic: Getty
Leeds United defender Robin Koch. Pic: Getty

"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."

Fellow defender Pascal Struijk is also set to miss the clash with Chelsea due to a knock picked up against Aston Villa.

Veteran playmaker Pablo Hernandez has a muscle problem and Adam Forshaw (hip) remains a long-term absentee.

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Jamie Shackleton, though, has been passed fit for selection after less than a month out following injury at Wolves.

United host the Blues on Saturday lunchtime in West Yorkshire with the game taking place in front of the BT Sport cameras.

Leeds have won just once in their last five league games while the visitors are on a 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions since Tuchel's arrival at the club.

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