Leeds dealt potential big blow as 'magnificent' colossus could miss crucial Southampton clash

Leeds United defender Robin Koch has tested positive for the virus prior to international duty, making him a potential doubt for the Whites’ next game in early April.

The German has had a frustrating time of things in the injury department this season, as has unfortunately been the case with so many Leeds players.

Koch has been limited to just 11 Premier League starts in 2021/22 so far, with a lack of available centre-backs playing a part in the Whites’ struggles.

The defender has now suffered another blow ahead of what he hoped would be international minutes for Germany.

A statement on the DFB’s official website [via Sport Witness] has confirmed that Koch has contracted the virus.

It read: “In addition to [Joshua] Kimmich, Robin Koch is not yet part of the team. The 25-year-old Leeds United player had a positive rapid antigen test before he arrived at the team hotel.”

It is unknown for how long Koch will be unavailable – each individual can suffer from the virus for differing lengths of time – which means he could potentially miss Leeds’ home clash against Southampton on April 2.

The 25-year-old has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by Noel Whelan in the past, proving to be a valuable squad member at Elland Road. Indeed, with two successful headers per game this season, the German has the second-best aerial record of anyone in the Whites’ squad.

Even if Koch tests negative by that point, though, Jesse Marsch may have doubts over whether or not the player is physically ready for such an important league fixture.

The hope is that Liam Cooper will be back from a lengthy absence for the visit of the Saints – the club captain was on the substitutes’ bench away to Wolves last Friday, and his return by early April would help to