---
title: "Leeds’ Robin Koch Set to Miss West Ham Clash"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/12/08/robin-koch-ruled-out-of-leeds-west-ham-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2020-12-08T16:00:44Z"
modified: "2020-12-08T16:00:44Z"
---

# Leeds’ Robin Koch Set to Miss West Ham Clash

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2020/12/08/paul-robinson-claims-west-ham-seeking-aaron-cresswell-successor/) have been handed a backhanded boost ahead of their trip to Yorkshire to face Leeds United on Friday night as the hosts confirmed the absence of a key player.

The Whites were hit with a big injury blow when centre-back [Robin Koch](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-united-robin-koch-is-a-doubt-for-chelsea-clash/) was [forced off against Chelsea](https://www.skysports.com/football/chelsea-vs-leeds/report/428940) on Saturday and it has since been [revealed](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/robin-koch-injury-leeds-breaking-19418141) that the German will undergo surgery on the issue.

[David Moyes](https://readwestham.com/2020/12/05/readwestham-com-2020-12-04-moyes-counting-on-haller-united-clash/) is hoping to bounce back from Saturday’s [3-1 home defeat at the hands of Manchester United](https://readwestham.com/2020/12/08/west-ham-1-3-man-utd-player-ratings/) with a return to winning ways.

Koch’s absence will no doubt be felt by Marcelo Bielsa’s side – the 24-year-old was recently [described as a ‘leader’](https://www.footballinsider247.com/magnificent-whelan-drools-over-leeds-new-boy-he-hails-as-a-big-personality/) by former Leeds player Noel Whelan and [had played every minute of every game](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/robin-koch/leistungsdaten/spieler/328784) in the league this season until he came off after just nine minutes on Saturday.

Friday night’s match looks set to be a battle of two contrasting styles as [Moyes](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/david-moyes/profil/trainer/450) and [Bielsa](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/marcelo-bielsa/profil/trainer/2553) go head-to-head for the first time in their long and distinguished careers.

Leeds have been [dubbed the league’s great entertainers](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8756109/Leeds-Uniteds-entertainers-INFURIATING-meticulous-boss-Marcelo-Bielsa.html) on their return to the top flight whilst the Hammers usually take a far more [reserved approach](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis/premier-league-2020-21-west-ham-united-vs-manchester-city-tactical-analysis-tactics-analysis) to their fixtures, although it has [often been effective](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in recent weeks.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Leeds have not been been the epitome of defensive solidity since their return to the Premier League – in fact, only [two teams have conceded more goals](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) than them so far this season.

However, were it not for Koch’s [steady influence at the heart of the defence](https://www.footballcritic.com/robin-koch/profile/348888), that stat – and indeed the table – could read a lot worse for the Elland Road club.

The Irons could capitalise on an even more vulnerable defensive setup as Moyes attempts to get West Ham back on the winning trail.