Leeds United secured a crucial win in midweek against one of their promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion. However, the three points came at a cost as Jamie Shackleton and more importantly. captain Liam Cooper were substituted early due to injuries.
The extent of the two injuries
A club statement went on to reveal the extent of their injuries. It read (Yorkshire Evening Post), ”The club can now confirm the diagnosis of both players. Cooper has picked up a groin injury, which will keep the Whites skipper out for up to six weeks. Shackleton has a hamstring injury, which will keep the midfielder out for up to four weeks. We wish both players a speedy recovery and return to action.”
The Whites have never been too far off with injuries, especially since Bielsa has taken over. He has never had a fully fit squad to choose from since his arrival at the Yorkshire club.
Cooper is a leader at the back, and he is one of the most influential players in the roster. The Scotsman has come up leaps and bounds since Bielsa took over and his ability to play the ball out from the back and his dominant presence make him a top option at centre-back.
Who will fill in for Cooper?
United are likely to rely on Gaetano Berardi for the next few weeks. The fullback turned defender has been in and out of the team since Bielsa took over. Now, the Swiss defender will get a chance to prove his worth. However, the way Ben White and Liam Cooper have played so far, they are likely to continue as the first choice partnership when both of them are available.
As for Shackleton, he got his chances because of an injury to Adam Forshaw. Now, Forshaw is likely to be back on the pitch and Shackleton is out for a month atleast.
Who can fill in for Shackleton?
Forshaw has made an impressive start to the season, and there is no doubt that he will fit in seamlessly alongside Mateusz Klich in midfield. However, being an attacking midfielder, Bielsa might want to see more goal contribution from Forshaw. Tyler Roberts has shown his versatility in the past. Maybe he can also get a chance to start now in the absence of Shackleton and Forshaw, who is still a doubt for this weekend.
United have a thin squad, but we think that they should be able to cope with the latest injury setbacks.
