In a pre-match press conference ahead of this Premier League weekend (via Yorkshire Evening Post), Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that his captain Liam Cooper is set to miss out on the league clash versus Burnley on Sunday due to an abdominal strain which he suffered in the 6-2 loss versus Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.
Cooper’s Impressive Form At Elland Road This Season
The 29-year-old has experienced a roller-coaster campaign with the Whites so far and has done well to establish himself as a regular starter in Marcelo Bielsa’s defence. Cooper has featured in 11 matches for the West Yorkshire outfit this term, scoring one goal and picking up three yellow cards in the English top-flight.
The Scottish talent has been a rock at the back for Leeds this season as he is averaging 2.6 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 3.0 clearances and 0.5 shots per game in the Premier League. He has also been excellent when distributing possession out from the back after he made 87.4% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Cooper has proven himself to be one of the top performers at Elland Road, so his injury absence this weekend will be a blow for the Whites as they look to return to winning ways in the league. However, Diego Llorente’s availability will ease their concerns following the Spaniard’s complete recovery from his muscle injury.
What Does The Scottish Defender Offer On The Field?
Standing at 1.86m, Cooper can be a dominant figure on the defensive end of the field and has proven himself to be a reliable leader at the back in Bielsa’s first XI. He is often quick to snuff out the danger and can clear his lines when his teammates are in danger inside the penalty box.
The four-time Scotland international can time his tackles well to earn the ball back for his side. He is also an accurate passer which makes him such a vital member of Bielsa’s first-team. Hence, the Leeds boss would now have to figure out a way to do without his captain against a physical Burnley team this weekend.
What Should Bielsa Do To Cope With Cooper’s Injury Absence This Weekend?
The Whites head coach should consider naming Llorente back in his starting XI to play alongside Luke Ayling in central defence. The Spanish defender’s strong 1.86m frame would give him the advantage to win the aerial battles versus the Clarets attackers.
Furthermore, Bielsa will have Pascal Struijk available for a place on his bench. All in all, it seems like the Yorkshire giants have enough squad depth to cope with Cooper’s unavailability this weekend.
