Robin Koch's start to the 2021/22 season as a Leeds United player was put on hold due to a troublesome pelvic injury which required surgery in the United States.
The defender was absent for Leeds' second game of the campaign against Everton, having injured his 'pubis' in the defeat to Manchester United on the opening day.
Koch deputised for Kalvin Phillips in that game, but was then ruled out for a subsequent four-month period, despite an initially innocuous diagnosis of his problem.
The 25-year-old German international made an immediate return to first-team affairs last month, though, with Marcelo Bielsa parachuting the defender straight into his starting XI against Arsenal, largely due to injuries to other key personnel.
Bielsa had stated it would have been preferable for Koch to have had some competitive minutes with the U23 side first, in order to build match fitness, but Leeds' situation necessitated his immediate reintegration.
Since then, Koch has fared relatively well, showing no signs of re-injury whilst quietly turning in impressive performances in defensive midfield as well as his more natural centre-back role.
As a result of his injury earlier on this season, Koch missed three international camps with Die Mannschaft as Germany secured their place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite not being involved since the European Championships last summer, Koch is still in the national team picture, according to German outlet Sport1.
"He [Hansi Flick - German national team boss] has contacted him [Koch] more often by phone in recent months to inquire about the well-being of the Leeds professional.
"At the DFB [German national team], they appreciate Koch's variability and reliability on the pitch, but also his personality."
The report suggests Koch is being eyed as a possible defensive midfield option under ex-Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick.
Koch has featured in that position for the national team on occasion, but during his Bundesliga days with SC Freiburg, was predominantly used as a centre-back.
This season, three of his five appearances for Leeds have come in defensive midfield.
Germany face the Netherlands and Israel in two friendly matches during March. Provided Koch can remain fit, he may be selected by the 2014 World Cup winners and utilised in that No. 6 role.
