Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is facing a ‘lengthy spell out’ injured alongside Kalvin Phillips, according to Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Cooper’s 2021/22
The long-serving Whites captain had been an ever-present figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s side and kept up his record of starting in every Premier League fixture this season against Brentford on Sunday.
However, the 30-year-old, who was labelled ‘crucial’ by podcaster Jack Collins, had to be replaced after just 15 minutes in the 2-2 draw after falling awkwardly at Elland Road.
Phillips also had to make way against the Bees and now faces up to two months out, and it appears as if Cooper may also be spending the festive period on the sidelines.
The Latest: Hay’s tweet
Reliable reporter Hay was asked by a Whites fan on Twitter about the rumours regarding Phillips’ injury.
This is what he had to say in reply, also sharing an update on Cooper: “No timescale from the club yet but he’s looking at a lengthy spell out, as is Cooper.”
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The Verdict: Bad news
Cooper has been a rare ever-present figure in an injury-hit Leeds squad so far this season, but it appears as if he’ll be out of action for some time.
The Scot is Leeds’ third-best performer in the Premier League this season, as per WhoScored, averaging more interceptions than any Whites player to feature in two or more games.
It’s not ideal, with both Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk also missing through injury against Brentford last Sunday. Hopefully, a ‘lengthy spell out’ isn’t as bad as it can sound in the circumstances, but at this moment in time, it doesn’t look good for the Scottish defender, or for Bielsa’s defensive depth.
In other news: Leeds receive boost in quest to sign 13-cap beast who’s been hailed as a “young star”
