This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.
Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United have received a significant boost with the confirmation that centre-back Liam Cooper is “ahead of schedule†in his injury rehabilitation after picking up a groin problem in the club’s game against West Bromwich Albion.
Cooper, 28, has formed a strong partnership with Ben White this season, with the duo conceding just five goals whilst starting together at the heart of the Whites’ defence.
Bielsa will understandably be pleased that his captain looks set to return sooner than anticipated, with BBC Radio Leeds’ journalist Adam Pope confirming that the centre-back is progressively positively in his bid to return from injury and regain his place in the Leeds starting XI.
After sustaining the groin injury in his side’s game against the Baggies, Leeds proceeded to concede two goals in a single match for the first time this season in their 2-1 defeat to Millwall.
Whilst Cooper’s absence as a captain will unquestionably have had an impact on the defeat, the void in Leeds’ defence that the 28-year-old has vacated is something that Bielsa will be keen to address.
If Cooper is able to resume his partnership with White and drive forward the Leeds defence who have conceded a league-low seven goals, then his return will undoubtedly be a game-changer.